ELVIS TO PATCH UP WITH VLAD

STEVEN PRESSLEY returned to the Hearts side for the 0-0 draw at Inverness yesterday amid rumours Vladimir Romanov is trying to make peace with his axed skipper by offering him a coaching role.

The Scotland star was dropped for the 1-1 draw at Falkirk two weeks ago after speaking out against owner Romanov and also missed the 1-0 defeat by Rangers at Tynecastle last Sunday.

But caretaker boss Eduard Malofeev restored him for the draw at Caley Thistle - their seventh league game without a win.

However, the club wouldn't let the captain speak after the match as rumours spread of a surprise peace offering by Romanov.

No-one at Hearts would confirm or deny if the 33-year-old had been offered a coaching post. But sporting director Alexander Koslovski suggested Pressley's recent absence was down to form not politics.

Koslovski said: "Steven was recalled because he showed what a good sportsman he is in training.

"He showed what a high quality sportsman he is and that he deserved to be on the pitch."

Romanov jetted into Edinburgh on Friday to meet with powerful Hearts supporters' group G10 along with Valdas Ivanauskas who will return as manager tomorrow.

Both men (right) sat in the directors' box at the Caledonian Stadium yesterday.

It is understood Romanov eased the fears of the G10 group who have released a statement urging fans to get behind the side.

It read: "Mr Romanov assured us Steven would remain captain. He also stated he has no influence on team selection.

"We would now ask all Hearts fans to get right behind the team."

Taken from the Sunday Mail