Source: Team_Talk
Home form not a concern for Jefferies
Jim Jefferies insists he has no worries about Hearts' Tynecastle form as they seek their first SPL win at home this season against St Mirren.[LNB] Hearts have lost their last two home games, against Motherwell and Rangers, after drawing against St Johnstone and Dundee United.[LNB]But Jefferies has been generally happy with performances and believes the return of Marius Zaliukas is a further boost to their chances of turning them into victories.[LNB]"A lot has been made of the fact we haven't won at home but we have played well and with the number of injuries we've had, it's been difficult," Jefferies said.[LNB]"The results have been wrong - that's what we're trying to put right.[LNB]"Apart from the Motherwell game, when we had a few players out and they have been playing well away from home, our performances have been good. We just need to step that up.[LNB]"The fans have been fine with us. We still have two or three key players out, we have to had to deal with that this season."[LNB]Zaliukas returned to central defence last Saturday following a contract stand-off and helped Hearts to a 1-0 win at Aberdeen - their first clean sheet in the SPL since the Lithuanian's previous appearance, a 4-0 win at Hamilton in August.[LNB]"No disrespect to the other players but you can see he has made a big difference," Jefferies said. "Having Lee Wallace and Zaliukas out was difficult because you are asking people to step into these positions.[LNB]"A lot of football is about partnerships and there's no doubt (Ismael) Bouzid and Zaliukas are the strongest in there.[LNB]"Darren Barr had his best game on Saturday at right-back and (Ruben) Palazuelos had a much better game at left-back with Zaliukas in there."[LNB]The defender has yet to sign a new contract but the situation has continued to progress positively after owner Vladimir Romanov allowed him to play at Pittodrie following a breakthrough in talks.[LNB]"That has run its course," Jefferies said. "We don't anticipate any problem."
