Source: Team_Talk
Hearts skipper eyes progress
Marius Zaliukas believes Hearts can edge past Paksi in the Europa League following a conversation with a former Tynecastle team-mate.[LNB] The Lithuanian has quizzed Linas Pilibaitis over Thursday night's third qualifying round first leg opponents, with his fellow Lithuanian plying his trade with Paksi's Hungarian rivals Gyori.[LNB]And Pilibaitis has told the defender they should expect few problems in disposing of Paksi, who overcame Norwegian side Tromso to set up a tie with the Edinburgh club.[LNB]Zaliukas, speaking ahead of the clash in Hungary, said: "I've spoken to my old Hearts team-mate Linas as he plays here in Hungary for Gyori.[LNB]"He said Paksi aren't the best team in the country but they work hard, fight for every ball until the last second.[LNB]"I was surprised by their result in Tromso because everyone said the Norwegians were better - but that's football.[LNB]"All the players know not to under-estimate this team. We're focused and we don't want to waste last season's achievements.[LNB]"I've heard Paksi say they are inexperienced and it's their first year in Europe but they can use that as a weapon against us."[LNB]Zaliukas was part of the Hearts team that fell to a 4-0 first leg defeat to Dinamo Zagreb that they failed to recover from in their last outing in Europe two years ago but reckons they're better prepared this time.[LNB]He added: "Our first game in Zagreb against Dinamo was terrible. But the pitch, the weather was different - we're two years on now and hopefully we'll learn from our mistakes.[LNB]"Next week we'll also have 12 players because it'll be a full house and our supporters will be a big help to us."[LNB]
