Source: Team_Talk
JJ hopes for Zaliukas breakthrough
Jim Jefferies hopes the intervention of John Colquhoun will help resolve the contract stand-off between Marius Zaliukas and Vladimir Romanov.[LNB] Jefferies revealed that Zaliukas was again unavailable for the Scottish Premier League clash at Aberdeen on Saturday amid the continuing impasse in negotiations.[LNB]Zaliukas has not played since a 4-0 win over Hamilton on August 21 as Romanov demands he first signs a Hearts contract, with his loan deal and Kaunas terms due to expire in December.[LNB]Both parties were some way apart when they began contract talks more than six weeks ago but Jefferies believes the advice of agent Colquhoun could help Zaliukas reach agreement.[LNB]The Hearts skipper flew to Lithuania this week for more talks and Jefferies hopes there is light at the end of the tunnel.[LNB]"John has said to him 'this is the real world' and helped him get a better negotiating position with the club," the Hearts boss said.[LNB]"It's like all players, Marius has been taking advice. I don't think he had anyone acting for him before.[LNB]"He asked for John's advice. John's got plenty of experience and he has had a word with him and he's dealt with it really well."[LNB]But Jefferies added: "The situation has not changed. We'll just have to wait.[LNB]"He is training and keeping his match-fitness up. He didn't play in the bounce game we had against Hamilton on Tuesday because he was heading back for talks."[LNB]Jefferies added: "I think the players would look forward to getting it resolved just like we all are.[LNB]"He's a very good player, that's why we made him captain. We hope he wants to stay here. If it is sorted out this week or next week, the sooner the better."[LNB]Hearts travel to Pittodrie one point ahead of Mark McGhee's Aberdeen and Jefferies acknowledges both clubs have had very similar starts to the season.[LNB]"They got off to a flying start but they have been a bit up and down with results, just like ourselves," he said.[LNB]"But they are always difficult to play up there. They played terrific against Rangers, just like we did, but they lost a two-goal lead.[LNB]"On their day they have shown they can beat anyone. Mark has brought in a lot of new players but, like us, he has had a lot of injuries to key players."[LNB]Jefferies hopes to include Ian Black in his squad despite the midfielder suffering two broken bones in his hand.[LNB]The former Inverness player has been training with a plaster cast on and Hearts are looking for a less robust protective bandage that is approved by the match officials.
