Jim Jefferies: Hearts stars won't let pay dispute affect their performances on the pitch

Oct 29 2011

JIM JEFFERIES believes Hearts players will be too proud to let the Tynecastle wages row affect their performance.

The former Gorgie gaffer expects Paulo Sergio's men to be given a tough test at home to another one of his old clubs Kilmarnock today.

It's been a turbulent week for the Jambos who issued a blanket media ban last week just days after several first-team stars weren't paid on time.

Some players are still waiting but Jefferies said: "The players showed last week against Rangers there is no lack of effort from them. It didn't upset them.

"It's a credit to them that they put those issues to the back of their minds. If you're a player of course it's a problem not being paid and you want to sort it out.

"But when it comes to a match day their pride and competitive edge take over. They always want to win and showed against Rangers it won't affect them. They're good lads who don't look for excuses.

"I expect them to put it on the back-burner again on Saturday - then try to sort it out on Monday."

One of Jeff's last signings at Hearts was striker John Sutton from Motherwell in the summer.

But the Englishman has struggled to nail down a place in Sergio's starting line-up. Jefferies said: "Hearts are lacking a bit of cutting edge in the striking role. Ryan Stevenson is filling in at the moment and he's such a willing worker.

"But he drops into deeper areas and maybe that 'out-and-out' striker is something they'll try to resolve in the transfer window.

"Maybe they'll give Sutton a shot. He'll have to be patient as he tries to prove he can do the job.

"Ryan's having to shoulder the responsibility and he's playing well but maybe there should be more bodies in there."

Taken from the Daily Record