Denis will be real menace to Hearts' opponents

HEARTS Under-19 coach Darren Murray has praised the progress of Ukrainian midfielder Denis Prychynenko as the teenager anticipates a first-team breakthrough before the end of the season.

A strong, aggressive central midfielder with impressive technique and a powerful shot, Prychynenko has made the substitutes' bench twice for Hearts this season but has yet to play at senior level. In the youth team he has been a standout and was named Player of the Tournament as Murray's side won the Clydesdale Bank International Tournament in Guernsey last weekend.

If Hearts can secure third place in the SPL before the season ends, the 19-year-old is likely to be granted a first-team debut during the closing weeks.

"Denis has done extremely well and he's a joy to work with," said Murray. "He has a tremendous will, heart, technical ability and he's a good size physically - all of the ingredients. I can't say enough good things about the boy."

Prychynenko scored twice as Hearts won their opening two fixtures at the Guernsey tournament last Saturday, beating Jersey Scottish and Guernsey Rovers Athletic 2-0 and 4-0 respectively. A goalless draw with Norwich the following day secured the trophy.

"We went over there and the boys were very professional in everything they did," explained Murray. "It would have been nice to win the Norwich game as well but to win two of the three games and not concede a goal was very pleasing. The two local teams were men's sides. They weren't easy games, so to win in the manner we did was impressive."

Meanwhile, Hearts remain hopeful that full-back Lee Wallace could play again before the end of the season after damaging ligaments in his ankle. "Lee may be back for a couple of games before the end of the season," said manager Jim Jefferies.