Laszlo insists Stewart loss is no problem for Hearts

Published on Wednesday 12 November 2008 09:04

CSABA LASZLO stressed today that Hearts will never be a one-man team under his tutelage and that the loss of Michael Stewart will not hinder the side against Hamilton this evening.

The manager has able-bodied replacements ready and waiting to deputise for the suspended Stewart, who incurred a three-match ban for his red card at St Mirren on Saturday. In addition to tonight's match, the midfielder will miss SPL fixtures against Falkirk and Rangers later this month.

Laszlo insisted Hearts can thrive without Stewart's influence. He used Ruben Palazuelos and Robbie Neilson in midfield at Love Street and welcomes Marius Zaliukas and Christos Karipidis back into tonight's squad.

"David Obua is back, Neilson is also back, so we have new options," said the Hungarian. "I think in every team, if you get a red card or an injury, you must mix a new puzzle.

"We played against St Mirren in the second half without Michael and we won with ten men. This is positive and we must keep this spirit. Michael Stewart is a good player but we have other young players who play good football. We don't think only about one person, we have a team and this is my philosophy.

"Individuals can decide games but a lot of times, in our situation, we can always beat quality teams if we are compact and we have the will to win."

As revealed in yesterday's Evening News, Hearts expect to be without Saulius Mikoliunas for around two months due to knee ligament damage. Deividas Cesnauskis and Audrius Ksanavicius are also unavailable due to injury.

"All the Lithuanian players are injured, only Zaliukas is okay," continued Laszlo. "Miko's knee is full with water and he will not play for some time. Cesny has a problem with his muscle and the doctor will analyse him. We must look at the problem with his muscle because this is not good. Ksanavicius has an Achilles problem which began last year."

Laszlo admitted to a delay in the treatment of Polish midfielder Adrian Mrowiec, who requires a knee operation. The player arrived on loan from FBK Kaunas in August suffering from fluid from his knee and has made just two appearances for Hearts so far.

"I think he will have the operation this week," said Laszlo.