Euro target still Vlad's main aim says Ivanauskas

HEARTS head coach Valdas Ivanauskas believes majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov still

harbours long-term ambitions for the club.

Ivanauskas appeared at Tynecastle yesterday for the first time since October 23 when he returned home to recover from a stress-related illness.

After a home defeat by Rangers during his absence, a demonstration took place outside Tynecastle with fans alarmed at the way the club is being run by the Russian-born Lithuanian.

Romanov went some way to ease the tensions when he met with fans' representatives before the goalless draw against Inverness at the weekend.

Ivanauskas said: "This club is like Vladimir's baby and I know how he wants to make it a big club in Europe, so it is difficult for him.

"To make Hearts a big club is not something that can be done quickly. It's not easy, but that's his target."

Ivanauskas has targeted three points at St Mirren on Saturday after Hearts went eight games without a win.

He said: "The first target is to win against St Mirren.

"Our fans are are the greatest in this country and we need to change the situation."

Taken from the Scotsman