Here’s to you Mrs Robinson

PAULO SERGIO has vowed he and Ally McCoist will drink to forget Rangers’ woes

Fourteen of the Hearts youngster's team-mates filed a complaint to the SPL in January after being paid late for the third month in a row.

Ryan Stevenson walked out in protest at the delays, while Ian Black ended up painting and decorating on the side to earn some cash.

Robinson, though, revealed he wasn't one of the protest group — because his only expense was the digs money he pays to mother Tracey.

However he saw the toll Romanov and his antics took on his team-mates and admits he feels sorry for players at today's rivals, Rangers, who now find themselves in a similar predicament.

Robbo said: "I'm only 19 and still living with my mum and brother and sister, so I haven't seen the money side of things as a problem. I pay my digs money, my broadband, my Sky and I get my cooking, washing and all that done for me, so it's a good deal. Happy days!

"But I saw the impact it had on the older players with kids and mortgages.

"Over the Christmas period in particular, it was really tough for them. You could tell they were really stressed and I felt really sorry for them.

"But they did their best to get through it and I think you have to respect them for that. They did really well and now they're getting their wages.

"It must be tough for the Rangers players right now, but I'm sure the ones Ally McCoist puts out on the pitch against us will be right up for it.

"When we were going through the tough times here we just put everything to the back of our minds and focused on the games. I'm sure they'll do the same.

"We had a good run of results when we were going through a tough time. Everyone pulls together and you see the team spirit shining through.

"I'm not saying we've not got that now, but back then we were all in the same situation and we mucked in together."

Robinson, now 19, is the SPL's youngest ever player, making his debut against Inverness when he was 16 years and one month.

Last week he became Hearts' youngest modern-day captain when he was handed the armband at half-time against Dundee United.

Marius Zaliukas will resume his role as skipper at Ibrox today, provided he recovers from a knee injury in time, while another candidate, Andy Webster, is back after a ban.

But Robinson was stunned and thrilled to be given the honour by boss Paulo Sergio.

He said: "I was surprised when the manager handed me the armband.

"We had experienced players on the pitch like Rudi Skacel, so when the manager shouted my name I was surprised, but you just do it and I went out and led the team.

"It was a huge compliment. The gaffer has shown a lot of faith in me and now I have to repay him.

"A few of the boys at the club and the kitman had told me I must be one of the youngest skippers, but I never knew I was the youngest.

"If I'm asked again in future I will do it, but if Zal was ever injured again I think Andy Webster would step in.

"But I would be happy to do it. It was a great honour."

Like Robinson, Tynecastle defender Jamie Hamill has every sympathy for the Gers players' plight.

But the ex-Kilmarnock star is desperate to inflict more misery on them. He said: "Rangers are in a wee bit of turmoil at the moment and, hopefully, they come out the right end of it and everything's okay for them.

"But we are going there to try and get the three points.

"The gaffer has stressed to us it's a difficult place to go to, and it doesn't matter who's in their team, their fans will be right behind them. Our fans were the same with us when we had our problems."

Hamill reckons it will be even more difficult to beat Rangers because their players will be desperate for action to take their minds off the fear of losing their jobs.

Speaking on Hearts TV he added: "It's a difficult time for them, but to go onto the park and get your head away from it all and concentrate on the game is good."

Along with the likely return of Zaliukas and Webster, the Jambos could have injured duo Adrian Mrowiec and Black back.

Former Celtic striker Craig Beattie is in line for his debut, but David Templeton is out with a groin injury.