Medics to give Valdas verdict today

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS was today facing an anxious wait for the medical results that will determine whether he can return as head coach of Hearts.

The 40-year-old Lithuanian, who has been absent from his post since October 23 due to ill-health, attended an appointment with doctors in Kaunas yesterday to undergo a series of tests. The results were expected by the close of business this afternoon.

Ivanauskas intimated last week that the stress involved in managing Hearts was central to him requesting a two-week sabbatical from majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

Without medical consent, he says he is unable to commit himself to a definite return to Edinburgh. He told the Evening News: "This afternoon I will know 100 per cent if things are okay. I will have a discussion with the doctor and I will have an answer by the end of today.

"There is no indication yet about what will happen. For me, the doctor's opinion is very important because my health must come first."

Ivanauskas did not rule out the possibility of coming back to Tynecastle in more of a background role as part of the coaching staff, which is being headed in his absence by the veteran Russian Eduard Malofeev.

He continued: "I can't give comment on whether I can be head coach. I must first speak to the doctor, he will tell me what the situation is and what condition my health is in. Then I can look forward."

Speculation over Ivanauskas' future intensified yesterday when it emerged that Eugenijus Riabovas, the head coach at another club financed by Romanov, FBK Kaunas, was in Edinburgh as a guest of Hearts. However the club maintain that Riabovas will not have a role at Tynecastle.

Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka, who has hit a rich streak of scoring form with five goals in his last five games, is one player who would not wish to see Ivanauskas remain detached from Hearts.

"Of course I would be disappointed [if he did not return], but you have to play for the manager who is here now," said Velicka. "I played for Valdas when he was the head coach at Kaunas and we were champions in Lithuania. Valdas brought me here."

Hearts travel to Easter Road this evening for an Edinburgh derby confrontation with Hibs in the CIS Cup. Deividas Cesnauskis, Neil McCann, Edgaras Jankauskas, Roman Bednar and Mirsad Beslija are all expected to miss out, but captain Steven Pressley is fit to return and Julien Brellier has a chance of being involved after shaking off a minor injury.

Chilean striker Mauricio Pinilla may also be included with his calf injury having eased over the last few days.

Meanwhile, the club have withdrawn their appeal against a £10,000 SFA fine for their poor disciplinary record last season.

Taken from the Scotsman