WHAT A LOAD OF SPLIT

EDGAR JANKAUSKAS last night reacted angrily to claims there is a split in the Hearts dressing room between the Lithuanians and the rest of the players.

The former Porto striker is adamant he and his compatriots have not fallen out with other members of the Tynecastle squad, despite captain Steven Pressley's recent revelations.

It was suggested there were factions in the squad after Pressley delivered a statement on behalf of "some of the players" regarding the unrest caused by owner Vladimir Romanov.

But Jankauskas said: "We are united and there is no split in the team.

"I have heard people saying players have made different groups like the Lithuanians and soon. That's not true.

"All the players are positive and fully committed to the club so I don't think it can be said we are lacking in attitude also.

"Of course when you are not getting results it can be that players have opinions about things and that's normal.

"We all want to find out the reasons why and find a solution to the problem. But I am sure the dressing room is united and very positive."

Speaking ahead of tonight's SPL clash at Falkirk, Jankauskas added: "Nobody expected us to achieve the things we did last season but now we have set those standards and maybe the weight of that pressure has influenced our performances this year.

"Now everyone expects us to win every game, that's one difference to last year.

"Other teams have changed the way they look at us as well. We get more respect from our opponents - they are putting us at the same level as Rangers and Celtic.

"No matter who it is they try 100 per cent against us. We have to be stronger mentally to deal with that.

"But it is human when you haven't won for four or five games that you lose a bit of confidence.

"You don't want it to happen but it does. And therefore it affects your performances.

"I think that is what is going on right now with the team. But with a few good performances we can be back on track."

Jankauskas has felt helpless this season after picking up a thigh injury. He said: "The worst thing is watching the team from the stand. I get more tired than I doplaying90minutes.

"I got one serious injury and then there were complications so it has been a problem for me. I have struggled to get back to full fitness.

"It's tough not being able to train with the team every day and having to stay in the physio's room. It's been a frustrating time.

"But I have been working hard, I have pushed myself and hope-fully I will be back to my best soon."

Jankauskas is hopeful of making this evening's clash but wingers Neil McCann and David Cesnauskis are struggling with knocks.

Taken from the Daily Record