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. Jefferies revealed that Zaliukas was again unavailable for the Scottish Premier League clash at Aberdeen on Saturday amid the continuing impasse in negotiations.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.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.The Hearts skipper flew to Lithuania this week for more talks and Jefferies hopes there is light at the end of the tunnel."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."It's like all players, Marius has been taking advice. I don't think he had anyone acting for him before."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."But Jefferies added: "The situation has not changed. We'll just have to wait."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."Jefferies added: "I think the players would look forward to getting it resolved just like we all are."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."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."They got off to a flying start but they have been a bit up and down with results, just like ourselves," he said."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."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."Jefferies hopes to include Ian Black in his squad despite the midfielder suffering two broken bones in his hand.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.

Source: Team_Talk