More misery for Hearts as injured stars head to London

Published on Monday 23 November 2009 08:39

HEARTS' misery was compounded today after Csaba Laszlo revealed both Andrew Driver and Marius Zaliukas were going to see specialists in London in a bid to clear up injuries.

England Under-21 star Driver, who missed the start of the season due to tendonitis in his foot, was back on the sidelines as his side lost 2-1 at home to St Johnstone on Saturday due to a recurring knee problem.

Zaliukas, meanwhile, has featured only five times for Hearts this season due to a combination of suspension and injury.

His last appearance was the 2-1 win over Hamilton at the end of September but excess fluid on his ankle has failed to subside since then.

He has already sought consultation in Lithuania and Hearts are now seeking further medical advice in an attempt to remedy the problem.

"Driver had no pre-season and is having a problem with his knee all the time," said Laszlo. "He is going to London today to see a specialist and so, too, is Zaliukas to see about the problem with his ankle."

Laszlo also revealed that Calum Elliot's return to top-team action may take longer than he was hoping, the striker having failed to make the bench against St Johnstone despite having returned to training last week.

"Elliot, who was an important player for us at the end of last season, is maybe going to be slow coming back," added the Hungarian.

Laszlo will seek reassurances during talks with the Hearts hierarchy this week before pondering his next move to haul the club out of their recent form slump.

The manager has petitioned majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov and his board of directors for urgent discussions following Saturday's defeat at Tynecastle. He held a ten-minute telephone conversation with Romanov immediately after the final whistle and also lambasted his players for their lack of application during the match.

Laszlo now wants certain guarantees from directors that there will be funds available to replenish his squad during the January transfer window.

He is not intent on resigning but has made it known inside the club that he must have more backing from Romanov and the board.

"I would like to talk definitely with the board as soon as possible, about what is important," he said. "I also have my opinion and tried to sit together with the board this week.

"I need to talk to the board for the best way to stabilise us. We lost a lot of players from last season and definitely we haven't got back that quality.

"Up front we cannot keep the ball, and in midfield they must try to play simple football. Everybody must come out to do more for the team. Some players do not show enough on the pitch."

Asked if he would be given time to reverse the club's fortunes, he said: "I don't know, but I would like to talk with the board."