Velicka needs strike partner, insists Frail

HEARTS are seeking a striker with the required quality to partner Andrius Velicka, with caretaker manager Stephen Frail insisting today that the Lithuanian cannot shoulder the team's attacking responsibilities alone.

Velicka's 12-goal return this season marks him as Hearts' top goalscorer, indeed he has claimed three of the five goals scored during Frail's four matches in charge. The club's other forwards, however, have hitherto failed to match his exemplary standard of finishing and work-rate. That leaves Frail still searching for the ideal sidekick to accompany the 28-year-old. Michal Pospisil has departed to Belgian side Sint-Truiden and Calum Elliot and Audrius Ksanavicius have found goals difficult to come by this season.

Christian Nade, despite a promising start to his Tynecastle career, is suffering from indifferent form at present. And Roman Bednar recently stressed he has no intention of returning to Edinburgh once his season-long loan at West Bromwich Albion is complete, much to Frail's annoyance.

Bolton Wanderers are one of several English clubs alerted by Velicka's scoring streak and Frail explained that a striking partner for the Lithuanian is an immediate priority.

"I need a partner for Velicka, that's no secret," he said. "He's on fire at the minute and is giving us everything but we need the right player to play alongside him. Calum's come in at times and done okay but he was silly with the sending-off a couple of weeks ago. Nade has shown flashes and is getting fitter but has been in and out of the team.

"Ksanavicius isn't a striker, although he plays just off the front to good effect. We need someone who can come in an complement Andrius, that's what I'm searching for at the minute."

Frail was reluctant to say whether that search will involve Hearts entering the transfer market before the end of January but hailed Velicka's commitment and endeavour as an example to every striker at the club.

He continued: "I spoke to him yesterday when he was doing some recovery work. He was still a little bit sore and I asked him if he'd be okay for tomorrow. He just came out with two words: 'Of course'. That sums the guy up. He's been great, not just with his spirit and commitment but the goalscoring as well."

Regarding Bednar, Frail is irked by comments attributed to the on-loan Czech. "Roman is only on loan and all I read last week was how he doesn't want to come back to Hearts. So good luck to him," said Frail. "He obviously feels he's better than Hearts and can go and better himself at West Brom. If that's the case, then fine, we'll look at it come the summer."

Hearts were due to travel to Motherwell this evening for their Scottish Cup fourth-round reply, although the Fir Park pitch was due a lunchtime inspection following severe weather conditions.

Michael Stewart remains doubtful for the visitors but Calum Elliot and Marius Zaliukas are available following suspension. "Michael only did light training yesterday and is a doubt," said Frail.