Rangers' hectic run gives Hearts chance - Zal

MARIUS ZALIUKAS believes Rangers' hectic schedule of matches throughout March could yet become key to Hearts' prospects of finishing second in the SPL.

The Tynecastle captain declared himself satisfied with Saturday's 0-0 draw at Pittodrie, despite Hearts ultimately losing ground on Rangers, who defeated St Johnstone 4-0 yesterday.

Zaliukas is unperturbed that the Glasgow club now have a four-point advantage and two games in hand over their Edinburgh counterparts. With two Old Firm matches - one being the Co-operative Cup final - and two demanding Europa League ties against PSV Eindhoven to be negotiated next month, the Lithuanian expects plenty further twists before final league placings are determined.

He explained how Hearts will then be fresher than Rangers for the decisive post-split fixtures in April and May. "It will be best to see what happens after Rangers' two extra games. Obviously we have a chance if we win a couple of games and they slip up in a couple of theirs," said Zaliukas.

"For them, playing in Europe is a lift. To play there is probably more important to them, but the more games they have the better for us. We are more fresh but there are no easy places to go. We have played Aberdeen away and we have Dundee United away coming up.

"There is a long way to the end of the season. It was most important not to lose at Aberdeen, to not give any teams behind us a sniff that they can catch us. We have a point and I'm happy with that."

Another critical issue as Hearts strive to split the Old Firm will be the fitness of Zaliukas' defensive partner

Andy Webster. He injured his groin taking a free-kick on the bare Pittodrie pitch at the weekend was replaced by Ismael Bouzid after only half an hour's play.

Zaliukas criticised the surface as he and Hearts wait to learn the full extent of Webster's injury. "On this kind of pitch anyone could hurt themselves," he continued. "Andy was unlucky and hopefully he will get fit as soon as possible and play again.

"This year the Pittodrie pitch is better than it was last year but you can't play football on pitches like this. Obviously it was more longer balls. You couldn't play on the ground because every ball can go anywhere. We just needed to hit the ball long."