Hearts: Marius Zaliukas could be key to Hearts bid for third

The Lithuanian looked a fish out of water as he was deployed as an anchorman on that dismal Wednesday night for the Gorgie side and when Eduard Malofeev, who was in charge of Hearts at the time, eventually saw fit to end his misery by taking him off with seven minutes left, a loud ironic cheer went up from the away end.

Zaliukas, pictured below, was made the scapegoat and the verdict was unanimous that the latest Eastern European to pitch up in Edinburgh simply wasn't fit for purpose. In short, fans and teammates would barely have batted an eyelid had Zaliukas never donned a maroon jersey again. With that harrowing night in mind, it is to the defender's eternal credit that he showed enough character to go on and make over 100 appearances for Hearts before being handed the captaincy by Jim Jefferies at the start of the current season.

The Lithuanian international's progress has been halted by his much-documented contractual dispute with the club, and Hearts' form has suffered badly since he made his last appearance in the 4-0 win at Hamilton. But, with a potential resolution to the saga appearing on the horizon - he may even return at Aberdeen today if a contract is agreed - there is hope yet that the player can continue his impressive personal renaissance and aid a team which is crying out for his services. He is a popular member of the Hearts dressing room, and also acts as social convenor for Christmas parties and the like, while, on the field, he has established himself as one of Hearts' most important players.

Little surprise then that his teammates are desperate to see their leader restored to the side as they aim to get their quest for third place back on track.

"If Marius is back, I think everyone will be happy," said Adrian Mrowiec, who has been in the side in Zaliukas's absence in recent weeks. "He is a very good player, he is our captain and we all want him on the pitch."

Manager Jefferies echoed that. "He's a very good player - that's why we made him captain. I think the players are looking forward to getting it resolved."

In the absence of Zaliukas and Lee Wallace, Eggert Jonsson has assumed the captaincy and Jefferies is full of praise for his versatile Icelander. "Eggert played very well against Scotland Under-21s," he said. "I think centre-back is one of his best positions but he doesn't let us down wherever he plays.

"We're lucky to have somebody who just gets on with it and gives his all.He's played right-back, left-back, centre-back and central midfield already this season, so he's a handy man to have."

"He is a very good player, he is our captain and we all want him on the pitch" adrian mrowiec