European progress would provide a fitting tribute to axed manager, says Marius Zaliukas

WHATEVER misgivings the Hearts players had about the manner and timing of Jim Jefferies' departure from Tynecastle, they are determined not to let it hinder their progress tonight, when they bid for a place in the play-off round of the Europa League.

Although favourites to go through at the expense of Paksi after returning from last week's first leg in Hungary with a 1-1 draw, Hearts are aware they cannot take anything for granted against a team who won 3-0 away from home in the last round.

Indeed, rather than being distracted or dispirited by Jefferies' dismissal, they see this evening's game as an opportunity to thank the former manager for his work with them over the past year and a half. "We want to win to go to the next round and maybe that way we are saying thank you to Jim," club captain Marius Zaliukas said yesterday. "Everyone had a good relationship with Jim. I thought he was a good manager, a good person. Everything was great between the players and the coaching staff.

"He did a really good job with the team, everyone was smiling every day in training, having fun. We were happy.

"I think it's not a big problem to everyone to focus for (the Paksi match]. We know how big a game it is and we want to get a good result."

"I think everyone was surprised at Monday with what happened. We shouldn't forget that Jim was working here, but we have to forget about the situation and focus on the game.

"No-one expected it. Everyone is focused on the game and we're expecting a good result tonight."

Over time, Paulo Sergio, Jefferies' successor as manager, will change the team's line-up and style of play. After just a couple of training sessions at Riccarton since his appointment was confirmed on Tuesday morning, however, the 43-year-old will not attempt anything revolutionary this evening.

"It's probably been too soon for new ideas," Zaliukas continued. "We need another couple of weeks to know exactly everything what he wants and we will work on it.

"The new manager is still young as a manager. He is learning probably as well. He has a couple of new ideas of what he wants to play and we're going to work hard for that."

Apart from saying there were a couple of obvious things he would refrain from doing, such as playing Ian Black on the right wing, Sergio gave little away about his team plans yesterday. Although Hearts have yet to announce that Rudi Skacel has signed a new contract, the Czech player is available for selection after missing out on the first leg, but will probably begin the match on the bench, as he did in Sunday's defeat by Dundee United.

The Portuguese manager was more forthcoming, however, when asked if he hoped that a victory would help the Tynecastle club's supporters forget about his predecessor. "I don't want the fans to forget Jim Jefferies," he said. "I don't think they should. It is a sign of respect.

"But this is football. Jim Jefferies will maybe come back one day, who knows. I don't want anybody to forget him. But what I expect is that the club is more important than anybody. It is not the person who is important it is the club, so I think the fans have to support us because we are serious guys. We came to work and we need their support. We have great respect for Mr Jim, like all our fans have.

"I will tell the fans what I told the players in the dressing room: I'm glad they aren't satisfied with the change. That's a sign of their character that they respect Jim Jefferies, as I do.

"They respect working for Hearts, too. One day if I'm sacked I hope the fans have the same feelings for me as they have had for Jim Jefferies.

"But all I want to say is it is not my responsibility that Jim was sacked. I'm going to do all I can to be successful: that's all I can promise."

Sergio should deliver this evening provided he ensures Hearts remain patient. Paksi will be dangerous on the break, but despite the latest upheaval at the club the Scottish side have the ability to progress by a couple of clear goals.