Calm Zaliukas can fire Hearts up table

Zaliukas came in from the cold to guide Hearts to a 1-0 win at Aberdeen, their first clean sheet in the SPL since the 4-0 win at Hamilton on August 21 when the defender last played.

The Lithuania international had been sidelined despite being fit amid an impasse over his contract negotiations with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov.

But he was restored at Pittodrie after more positive talks last week and looks set to sign a Hearts contract this week with his four-year loan from Kaunas due to expire in December.

Elliott said: "He's an experienced player, he's our captain and I think he has a calming influence on the rest of the team. He did really well at the weekend. With him not playing and Lee Wallace picking up an injury, the manager was unfortunate having to put players in that weren't in their right position. But at the weekend we looked really well at the back and it's no coincidence that Marius was playing."

Elliott is also looking to increase his influence after a niggling hamstring injury prevented him making an immediate impact following his summer move from Preston.

The Republic of Ireland player has yet to start a game but came off the bench in Aberdeen and feels he has put his injury problems behind him.

"It's felt really good over the last couple of weeks so hopefully that's the end of it," the 26-year-old said.

"I just have to work hard in training and be ready for when the manager calls on me."

Calm Zaliukas can fire Hearts up table - Elliott