Source: PA
Value of Zaliukas not lost on Jefferies
The return of Marius Zaliukas has coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Hearts, much to the delight of manager Jim Jefferies.
Rudi Skacel scored all three goals - taking his tally to four goals in four games since returning to Hearts - in the 3-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over St Mirren, but Zaliukas' performance was just as important to Jefferies.
"He was immense," said Jefferies. "He was outstanding, he's a leader and that's why we made him captain."
Zaliukas has been on loan at Tynecastle since the summer of 2006 from FBK Kaunas - owned by Hearts majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov - with the agreement set to expire at the end of December. Uncertainty over the defender's future meant he was unavailable for selection, but Hearts now have two wins and two clean sheets since his return.
Zaliukas played in last weekend's 1-0 win at Aberdeen and his appearance at Tynecastle yesterday suggested an end to the contract impasse which has seen him out of the team in recent weeks. Jefferies certainly believes a resolution with Romanov has been reached and that the Lithuania international's presence has boosted the whole squad.
"We're glad it was sorted out and you can see the difference in the last two games with a couple of clean sheets," said Jefferies. "When he's like that the others follow on and we're a lot more solid."
