Csaba: Cinikas was a one-off in Hearts line-up for the derby

CSABA LASZLO admitted today he granted Marius Cinikas an unexpected debut in Sunday's Edinburgh derby because he had no alternative. Although the on-loan Lithuanian was not disgraced in Hearts' 1-1 draw with Hibernian, he is certain to be dropped for Saturday's Scottish Cup tie with Aberdeen.

Jose Goncalves returns from suspension at Pittodrie and will be reinstated to the Hearts defence alongside Marius Zaliukas, Ismael Bouzid and Lee Wallace. Cinikas is likely to drop out, with Laszlo explaining that he only featured out of necessity on Sunday.

"Craig Thomson was out, Jason Thomson was out, Goncalves was out," said the manager. "Who plays in central midfield? Who plays in central defence? I did not want to change too much. I put Bouzid into the middle because we did not have other possibilities. This was Cinikas' first game. He had played at right-back before for FBK Kaunas. He did his job, it was his first game in Scotland. Who plays against Aberdeen I can't say at the moment."

Cinikas arrived at Tynecastle on loan from Kaunas in August but had not featured at first-team level prior to Sunday.

Laszlo offered praise to 18-year-old striker Gordon Smith, who scored against Hibernian after replacing fellow teenager Scott Robinson in the starting line-up. "Scott told me a that he had a problem and he did not feel very confident ahead of the game. This is normal for young guys," said Laszlo.

"He told me he had a problem with his knee but I hope everything will be okay for this weekend.

"I was happy with Gordon Smith. He tried to do what is important for a striker, to score goals. He scored a very nice goal and to score in a derby is not easy. He is 18 years old, he tried his best and I was not dissatisfied with his performance."

Laszlo is hopeful David Obua will return to training this week after illness. "I believe David will be back in training and this gives us other options when he is fit. Calum Elliot will train with the team next week."

Hearts must do without Ruben Palazuelos for two matches following his red card at Easter Road. The Spaniard is automatically suspended this weekend for head-butting Hibernian's Darren McCormack, and he will also miss the 23 January visit to Ibrox after breaching the SFA's disciplinary points threshold.

Meanwhile, reports today suggested Hearts are interested in the Motherwell winger Jim O'Brien, who is available to sign a pre-contract agreement as his current deal expires in the summer. Aberdeen are also monitoring the player.