Going down memory lane

23.08.2012

Vladimir Romanov today revealed how Hearts' pairing with Liverpool in the Europa League brought memories flooding back of Kaunas' meeting with The Reds in the Champions League.

The Lithuanians hosted the champions of Europe in the second qualifying round of the tournament seven years ago - the Anfield side had finished outside the qualifying places in the Premiership - eventually going down 3-1 after taking a shock first-half lead in the St Darius & Girenas Stadium.

Looking ahead to Liverpool's visit to the Capital this evening for the first leg of the Play-Off Round, Vladimir said: "When I heard about the draw, my memory immediately flashed back to the first game against Liverpool in Kaunas.

"I was pleasantly surprised then, when Kaunas not only led in the game, but also managed to impose its style on the pitch despite Kaunas' leader on the park, the Georgian Givi Kvaratskhelia, being unavailable that night."

He added: "Liverpool is a great city, which gave my generation The Beatles! It is amazing that this city has also got such a football club. Liverpool the club will always be one of the greats, no matter which position it is in.

"Even though the club comes from an industrial port city, it does not have anything to envy of capital city clubs. The basis for Liverpool's success is the natural power of its fans, and this is what gives it strength to keep a place amongst the best."

And his prediction for tonight's game, which sees two survivors of Pool's 2005 clash make the trip to Gorgie in Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina - Steven Gerrard has not travelled north.

"Liverpool traditionally starts slowly, so Hearts, despite being a very young team, have a good chance of putting on a decent show," added Vladimir.

"It will be difficult to win, though."

Hearts World