JAMBOS CANCEL EASTERN INVASION

HEARTS have scrapped plans to host a winter camp for Vladimir Romanov's eastern European stars.

The Jambos had planned to open their doors next month to over 20 players, most of them from FBK Kaunas.

However, only a "small group" will now arrive and they've been picked with a view to proving they're worth a January switch to Hearts.

No reason has been given for the cancellation, although insiders suggest it is likely to be a cost-cutting measure.

Players from Kaunas and MTZ-Ripo Minsk were hosted at Heriot-Watt University two years ago in a move Romanov felt carried two benefits.

It allowed the players to undergo training ahead of their season starting in March and gave Hearts the chance to cherry pick the best talents.

Romanov has already pointed MTZ Ripo striker Vyacheslav Hleb in the direction of Hearts but head coach Valdas Ivanauskas yesterday put the deal on hold as the brother of Arsenal midfield ace Alexander does not qualify for a work permit.

However, Ivanauskas did say that Paul Hartley is back in his first team for today's trip to Dundee United.

It took him three attempts to confirm the Scotland midfielder will play from the start after being benched last week against Aberdeen.

Ivanauskas even broke into a grin when he eventually handed out the information.

He said: "Paul Hartley is in the squad. Why should I give you any more information and help Dundee United?

"There are 24 hours until the game and if Paul is not ill or injured in training he will start against Dundee United. Happy? Happy?"

Ivanauskas continues to deal with the fallout caused by the statement of October 27 in which Hartley, Craig Gordon and Steven Pressley handed Vladimir Romanov a vote of no confidence.

In addition, Czech coach Frantisek Straka revealed he was offered the manager's job recently but knocked it back.

On top of it all, Hearts have slumped to fifth place in the SPL and have won only once in their last 11 games, despite Ivanauskas being back in charge after a brief time off to recharge his batteries.

He said: "I hope this is the last negative situation we have to face because we need to concentrate on football.

"Recent results have not been what I, the players or the club wants and we need to change this situation.

"The game against Dundee United will be made tougher by the fact Craig Levein is in charge and he used to be manager here, so it will be special for him."

Taken from the Daily Record