Hearts star Cesnauskas pleads with boss Romanov not to gut squad during transfer window

Craig Swan

DEIVIDAS CESNAUSKAS says Vladimir Romanov can get his hands on more silver in May - if he doesn't chase gold in January.

The Hearts midfielder fears a clear-out next month at Tynecastle as the credit crunch bites.

Romanov has said stars such as Christophe Berra, Andy Driver and Laryea Kingston could be heading for the exit door with a host of clubs in England looking at the trio.

Cesnauskas has also been mentioned as a possible departure but the Lithuanian doesn't want to leave the SPL.

In fact, the attacker believes Hearts can scale the heights and that a repeat of the Scottish Cup-winning feat of 2006 is not out of the question.

Romanov celebrated with the trophy on an open-top bus after that success and Cesnauskas reckons he could be parading through the streets again with Csaba Laszlo if the Hungarian gaffer is allowed to keep his best players.

He said: "The transfer window will open and, maybe, the club will want to sell somebody. Maybe me also.

"As a team we are playing well so if we sell players it will be difficult to finish in third place.

"Maybe we will bring in new players, but I would rather see the current squad kept together. We could win the cup again. Why not?

That is what we must all work for."

Cesnauskas is desperate to stay involved in Laszlo's revolution, but accepts the situation is outwith his control. Romanov has suggested Russian clubs are watching the player, who has had spells at Dynamo and Lokomotiv Moscow.

Cesnauskas, though, is moving into his fifth year in Scotland added: "I like Hearts and I like living here, so if there is a chance I would like to stay."

With everyone watching Romanov to see who he sells in the weeks ahead, Cesnauskas reckons the owner should be shelling out money to help strengthen the squad.

Laszlo has targeted a striker as his No.1 priority and the Lithuanian agrees new attackers are needed.

He said: "With Juho Makela and Mike Tullberg injured we need another striker.

Christian Nade will have to bear the brunt again today as the Jambos head north to face Aberdeen.

Jimmy Calderwood's in-form Reds lie in wait and the game promises to be a crunch clash in the European race.

The Dons can cut the gap to Hearts to just a single point if they maintain their recent form.

But Hearts and Cesnauskas are planning to extend their advantage and the Tynecastle ace knows the importance of the showdown.

He said: "It is an important game for both clubs. If we win, it puts us in a good position for third place.

"There are so many teams fighting for third place, so it is vital that we win."

Taken from the Daily Record