Mrowiec out to be a first pick for Hearts

COLLEEN PATERSON
POLISH midfielder Adrian Mrowiec has set his sights firmly on winning a regular spot in Csaba Laszlo's starting line-up.
Mrowiec has been out of action since September following knee surgery but featured in Hearts' 2-1 reserve victory over Falkirk at Forthbank Stadium in Stirling on Tuesday.

The player is on a season-long loan from FBK Kaunas but has not had the opportunity to establish himself under Laszlo because of his recurring knee problem. His last match was against Inverness on September 20 but he is now looking forward to showing both his manager and the Hearts supporters what he can do.

And, with the Tynecastle side still involved in the race for a European place and in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup, he is desperate to be involved.

"It felt good to get back on the football pitch again," he admitted.

"It has been a while but I'm feeling good and will now work hard to get back in the first team.

"Being out for so long hasn't been easy but hopefully it is all behind me now and I can look forward to playing in front of the fans again.

"We are up there in the table and want to progress in the cup. If I can stay clear of injury, I'm hoping to get back into the first team. We have a lot of important matches coming up and it would be great." Hearts have appointed their new captain with Robbie Neilson succeeding Christophe Berra, who joined Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.

"Robbie has been here a very long time and knows everything about the club," said manager Csaba Laszlo.

"He will do the job until the end of the season. He is respected by the players and supporters and will be a good influence for the young boys.

"He is our most experienced player and has a lot of qualities."

Christos Karipidis is the new vice-captain, although both he and Neilson are out of contract this summer.

Taken from the Scotsman