Source: Team_Talk
Zaliukas fears for Hearts future
Marius Zaliukas has pleaded with manager Jim Jefferies not to drop him as Hearts captain despite his long-term future still being undecided.[LNB] The 26-year-old defender replaced Michael Stewart as skipper towards the end of last term and is hopeful of leading the Jambos into the new SPL season.[LNB]However, Jefferies wants Zaliukas to negotiate a new deal before anything is decided.[LNB]The Lithuanian has intimated his desire to stay at Tynecastle despite his current loan deal from Kaunas expiring in December.[LNB]Zaliukas told the Daily Record: "I would like to continue as captain but there are a couple of circumstances I don't really want to talk about right now.[LNB]"It was a good feeling to be captain of Hearts. It gave me a lot more confidence for my personal game and I was able to talk to the younger boys more.[LNB]"I am looking forward to continuing that. But I understand the manager's situation. Obviously the captain should be someone who has a long-term contract.[LNB]"Now I have to see what the club are thinking. My contract with Kaunas has one season left and my loan at Hearts is up in December. There will probably be a meeting soon and then we will see."[LNB]Jefferies is expected to rotate the captaincy during the club's pre-season programme which includes games against Wolves and Blackburn on 3rd and 7th August respectively.[LNB]"If there is uncertainty over my situation I would understand the manager's decision," added Zaliukas. "I don't see any problems with me staying here. I would like to be here.[LNB]"I am settled here now, I have been here four years now, I know everyone, and everyone knows me. So everything is easier."
