Source: Team_Talk
Mixu backs fringe men to impress
The Easter Road boss felt he had a "strong case" in seeking to overturn Hogg's late dismissal in Saturday's 2-1 Scottish Premier League defeat to Dundee United.[LNB]But the appeal was dismissed on Wednesday morning, ruling the defender out of the derby at Tynecastle, along with already-suspended trio Rob Jones, Sol Bamba and Colin Nish.[LNB]Hogg, 24, was sent off four minutes from time by Stevie O'Reilly for a late tackle on Tannadice player Craig Conway and the referee stuck by his decision following a review.[LNB]As well as the disciplinary problems, Paatelainen also has injuries to contend with and refused to name who has been ruled out or who is fit for the Gorgie meeting.[LNB]But it is thought Denes Rosa, Fabian Yantorno and Kevin McCann will play no part, with goalkeeper Grzegorz Szamotulski in the doubtful category.[LNB]The Finn, though, is refusing to be downbeat and hopes his side perform regardless of their woes.[LNB]He said: "I'm disappointed (with the appeal), but that's the way it goes.[LNB]"The referee must have looked again at the incident and felt again it was worth a red card.[LNB]"We don't cry about it, that's the decision; we appealed and now we go forward without Chris. I thought we had a strong case to win the appeal but unfortunately it didn't go our way.[LNB]"I had a plan to go there with him, but he'll miss out like many others.[LNB]"The injury situation has showed no signs of easing, but a couple of players trained yesterday.[LNB]"I won't go in to names at all, and hopefully there is no reaction."[LNB]Hearts are seeking to secure third place in the SPL, but are now only two points ahead of nearest rivals Dundee United.[LNB]It is a vital game for Csaba Laszlo's side, less so for Hibs given their unlikely chance of reaching the Europa League, but it is a derby match nonetheless.[LNB]Paatelainen added: "I believe we have a team full of players who will compete against Hearts.[LNB]"I feel we'll have a fighting spirit and energy.[LNB]"We might not have the regular faces but if they give their all, lady luck is on our side as well, who knows? - we might get a very, very positive result."[LNB][LNB]
