Hearts' Vlad can be glad of agent Colquhoun

The contractual wrangling between Marius Zaliukas and Vladimir Romanov might be somewhat unusual in footballing circles, with the captain absent from Hearts' first-team for almost two months prior to Saturday's appearance at Pittodrie. But Colquhoun's mediating techniques have smoothed a divide, and as a FIFA-registered agent he stands to benefit in hard cash when the new deal is signed.

The irony of that will not be lost on Romanov.

A tirade of insults aimed at various agents have poured across the Baltic Sea during his stewardship of Hearts, but he might in time have cause to thank this favourite son of Tynecastle.

Colquhoun, now 47, became an iconic figure during two spells with Hearts in the 1980s and 90s.

He played over 300 times for the club as an exciting and pacy winger, however, his most recent appearance in Gorgie could potentially be one of his most important.

By stepping in to advise Zaliukas to reduce his wage demands, and thus help end the player's exclusion from the team, Colquhoun initiated a much-needed reconciliation between player and club.

Hearts' defensive frailties have been all too obvious without the Lithuanian - witness recent defeats by Falkirk, Motherwell and Rangers. On Saturday at Pittodrie, they looked rigid and reliable as Ismael Bouzid partnered Zaliukas at centre-back. With completion of his new deal said to be imminent, the latter organised and marshalled at the back whilst Kevin Kyle's header secured a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen.

The clean sheet recorded was Hearts' first in the league since Zaliukas last played for them, on August 21 at Hamilton. That should not be considered mere coincidence.

Colquhoun's intervention, then, has brought immediate positives, not to mention relief amongst those who consider Zaliukas the most accomplished central defender at Tynecastle. He recently lost his international place with Lithuania through lack of match sharpness and, had he continued to stagnate without games, his career would almost certainly have suffered. Andy Webster can testify on the damaging effect of Romanov's cold shoulder, as can Jose Goncalves.

But what of the future? Is signing a contract to join Hearts permanently from FBK Kaunas indication that Zaliukas wants to stay for the long haul? There is no guarantee. A favoured tactic of Romanov's is selling those who rise to prosperity in Edinburgh. Roman Bednar and Andrius Velicka are prime examples and, in that regard, there is no denying the improvement in Zaliukas over the last four years.

The player who touched down at Edinburgh airport from Kaunas in August 2006 was shy, introverted and shorn of confidence.

On the park, he looked little more than a clumsy big oaf. Now, whilst still prone to the occasional erratic moment, he is generally a pillar of defensive resolve. He has overcome on-field discipline problems, cemented his place in central defence and assumed the captain's armband.

The key may lie with the player himself. Hearts officials were concerned towards the end of last season that Zaliukas, whilst amongst dressing-room colleagues, would openly count the days till he was due to return home. They felt he ought to have been focused more on forthcoming matches. They also suspect his exorbitant wage demands at the start of negotiations with Romanov were intended to irk the club hierarchy and thus ensure his departure.

He may still privately hanker after a January departure and Hearts, like most clubs, are not in a position to refuse a substantial transfer fee. What Zaliukas must do is prove to supporters that he is thoroughly committed to their cause until he is signing on the dotted line for someone else. Saturday was certainly a good start.

Whether Zaliukas stays or opts for a January move, Romanov stands to benefit. He will either have the use of an experienced centre-back and captain or the monies reaped from a transfer. Either way, Colquhoun is due a heartfelt "thankyou" from the majority shareholder. Not to mention Zaliukas himself.