KOSLOVSKI EXPLAINS PRESSLEY RECALL

By Ronnie Esplin, PA Sport

Hearts sporting director Alex Koslovski insists captain Steven Pressley returned to the first team for the goalless draw at Inverness Caledonian Thistle simply because of his performances in training last week.

The Scotland international was omitted from the squad for recent draw at Falkirk at his own request amid reports he had uncovered a plot to strip him of the captaincy.

The 33-year-old returned to the squad for the 1-0 defeat by Rangers last weekend but did not come off the bench.

But Pressley, along with Robbie Neilson and Takis Fyssas, returned for the Bank of Scotland Premier League trip to Caley, which marked the last game for interim head coach Eduard Malofeev before Valdas Ivanauskas resumes his role on Monday.

Koslovski said: "We always said the best men in training will be selected.

"Steven showed 100% effort and attitude last week and showed Eduard he is a high-quality sportsman.

"He deserved to be on the pitch as did Neilson and Fyssas. We always like the experienced players to play to keep the spirit high."

Ivanauskas left 15 minutes before the end with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

The Lithuanian will resume his duties on Monday after a month away from the club due to health reasons.

Koslovski said: "The players like Valdas and, with a fresh eye, he will be able to analyse what went on before and then improve the quality in the team.

"Eduard should be going to Russia to get his FIFA pro-coaching license.

"Valdas will take over the team, but Eduard will be available on the phone.

"I will be on the training pitch with Valdas but, maybe, I will be more involved with transfers with the window opening up soon."

There was little for anyone to be excited about in a dire afternoon in the Highlands.

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon made a great save from an Ian Black header minutes before the interval just before Dennis Wyness blasted over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Koslovski admitted a point was as much as the visitors deserved.

He said: "We are a little disappointed, but, maybe, a draw was fair.

"Inverness is a hard place to go to, so we expected a hard game."

Inverness head coach Charlie Christie praised his side for being more than a match for the Tynecastle team after a sluggish start to the afternoon.

He said: "I am a bit disappointed with the way we started in the first 25 minutes.

"But, later on, we went all out for the winner and showed great endeavour.

"For Inverness Caledonian Thistle to peg Hearts back for so long was very pleasing."

Taken from sportinglife.com