Manager adamant that Marius Zaliukas is closing in on permanent deal

WITH Marius Zaliukas' contract wrangle nearly resolved and Rudi Skacel returning to something like his best form, Hearts manager Jim Jefferies believes things are starting to come together at Tynecastle.

Hearts host Jefferies' former team Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Sunday with paperwork the only stumbling block to Zaliukas remaining in Edinburgh for the long term.

Lithuania international Zaliukas has been on loan at Tynecastle since the summer of 2006 from FBK Kaunas - owned by Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov - with the agreement set to expire at the end of December.

Uncertainty over the defender's future meant he was unavailable for selection, but Hearts now have two wins and two clean sheets since his return and new terms have been agreed.

"It's all been verbally agreed," said Jefferies. "I don't know where it's being held up, but we're of the opinion that the paperwork will all be tied up.

"He's here, he's committed to the club and we don't see any problem. We don't know what's holding it up, but he's been available for me the last two games and he'll be available for me on Sunday and hopefully for the next couple of years, whatever the length of contract is that he's signed."

Jefferies described Zaliukas as "immense" in last weekend's 3-0 win over St Mirren, achieved courtesy of a hat-trick from Skacel.

There were suggestions Skacel's capture was at Romanov's behest, rather than Jefferies' request, but the manager is now thrilled to have Skacel - a Scottish Cup winner with Hearts in 2006 - in his squad.

"It wasn't a case of we didn't want him - our priorities lay in a different area - but we were quite happy to have him," added Jefferies. "Everybody was saying: 'Will he get back to his best?' He is certainly on the road to doing that."

Jefferies praised Skacel's work ethic - the midfielder did extra training sessions to achieve match fitness after signing at the end of September - and believes his experience can benefit not just his younger team-mates, but also help him add to his five international caps. "He's got a determination about him to get into the Czech Republic squad," added the Hearts manager.