I'm not ready admits Valdas

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS today spoke for the first time on the health issues that have forced him to temporarily step down from his position as head coach of Hearts.

The Lithuanian remains hopeful of returning to Edinburgh but insists he will not be back by the start of next week as expected.

A medical examination in Kaunas next Tuesday afternoon will determine his readiness for resuming the reins at Tynecastle from Eduard Malofeev, the veteran Russian who has filled in as acting head coach.

Ivanauskas intimated that the stress involved in managing Hearts was what forced him to call a meeting with Vladimir Romanov, the club's majority shareholder, 12 days ago.

At that meeting, it was agreed that the head coach would take a two-week sabbatical to recuperate in his homeland.

Those two weeks are almost up but Ivanauskas told the Evening News that his health has not yet been fully restored, despite time spent in a health spa, with his return depending on Tuesday's medical appointment.

"I'm feeling better but not 100 per cent," he said. "I'm not ready yet.

"I don't think I will be back as early as next week. I have a medical examination next Tuesday and I will know more after that.

"I could return after that but I need the doctors' opinions. They say I am okay and looking good but we need time.

"My health is very important because it was so much stress last time. I hope my health improves soon and I hope then I can come back."

Ivanauskas maintained that he knew little of what had transpired at Tynecastle during his absence, saying only: "Honestly, I have not heard anything. I only hope to be back soon, maybe some time next week but I cannot say for sure right now."

Hearts travel to Celtic Park tomorrow before meeting their city rivals Hibs in the CIS Cup next Wednesday. Malofeev is expected to remain in control for both of those matches to maintain continuity.

The Russian said: "In my coaching career I have always said that my team must have stability because when you have a stable team you can make good progress. If things are always changed then things cannot improve."

Taken from the Scotsman