Tough choices for Romanov as clubs target Hearts stars

VLADIMIR ROMANOV has told his players that major decisions are imminent at Tynecastle and the majority shareholder plans to attend all remaining Hearts fixtures this season in order to make them.

Romanov addressed the squad in Tynecastle's executive suite on Friday afternoon, stating that many of them have potential suitors waiting in the wings. He then took in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Dundee United and congratulated the team in the dressing-room before flying back to Lithuania.

He is expected to return for Saturday's visit to Rugby Park and all subsequent Hearts matches thereafter. The club's search for a permanent manager remains ongoing and Romanov is also keen to determine which players have a long-term future in Edinburgh and who will depart during the summer.

"It's been a disappointing season but you are all good players and many of you are attracting interest from other clubs. This is the time of the season when important decisions are made," Romanov told the squad.

The Russian businessman also praised Hearts' coaching and management staff during the meeting. His spokesperson, Charlie Mann, said today: "Mr Romanov wanted to give a rallying call to the players because we're getting down to the business end of the season. He intends to be at all the matches through to the end of the season because his schedule should allow him to.

"Also, he doesn't want to be seen to be hiding when things like financial results and debt figures are being announced. He is facing up to the task."

Hearts revealed financial results on Friday showing record turnover of £10.32million but the club's debt has also reached £36.25m.

Before Saturday, Romanov hadn't attended a Hearts match since last November when Aberdeen were defeated 4-1. He is likely to spend most weekends in Scotland watching the team through to the end of the season but will fly home to Lithuania in between.

Saturday's victory over Dundee United, brought about by Larry Kingston's first-half strike, maintains ambitions of a top-six finish.

Falkirk currently sit one point ahead of Stephen Frail's side in sixth place but victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday followed by a draw or an Aberdeen victory when Falkirk travel to Pittodrie next Monday will promote Hearts into the top six for the SPL split.

"It's down to Falkirk but hopefully next week, if we can win against Kilmarnock, then Aberdeen can do us a favour," said captain Christophe Berra.

Meanwhile, Djurgarden have admitted defeat in their attempts to sign Saulius Mikoliunas. The Swedish club contacted Hearts over the availability of Mikoliunas and other players but, with the Scandinavian transfer window due to close this evening, time is running out.

"I don't think it will happen," said Bosse Andersson, sports director of Djurgarden, "We spoke with Hearts but maybe something can happen in the future."

• HEARTS reserves are due to face Kilmarnock at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling tomorrow. The match kicks off at 1pm.