Domestic focus for Hearts

Hearts manager Paulo Sergio has played down Vladimir Romanov's SPL title goal and insisted his side are focused on Aberdeen and not Tottenham. Hearts host Aberdeen in the SPL on Saturday, with Sergio seeking his first league win in charge, before next Thursday's Europa League play-off clash with Spurs at Tynecastle.While Spurs is an eagerly-anticipated fixture, Sergio was keen to emphasise the importance of the Dons clash and the SPL, in which, according to the Portuguese, Rangers and Celtic are still clear favourites.Asked if it was realistic for Hearts to achieve Romanov's goal of the SPL title, Sergio, who was appointed 10 days ago, said: "He hasn't said it's going to be this year."We can start work to fight with the big ones."We're going to fight every weekend, every match, but maybe there's a big differences between the clubs, the two big ones in Scotland and the others."For the Jambos to have any hope of a title challenge, they need to start winning, rather than looking ahead to Europe.Sergio added: "No Spurs talk, just Aberdeen. Seriously, I'm not joking."I don't think about that (Tottenham) and I don't talk about that with my players."The players know they have to be focused on Aberdeen, because it's the next game."I'm not worried about Tottenham right now."Sergio is, though, analysing Spurs ahead of their visit to Edinburgh, which will now be their first competitive match of the season, something which could be an advantage to Hearts.On Friday it was announced Spurs' Premier League match with Everton has been postponed as a result of the rioting which has engulfed London and elsewhere.Speaking before the Premier League's announcement, Sergio said: "We can't lose time thinking about possibilities. All I wish is for the problems to be solved in England."A high work ethic is key for Sergio, who believes his squad - when all the players are fit - is capable of challenging the Old Firm, with a couple of additions.He added: "We are talking about that (signings), but I don't talk in public."I think when all the people come with me to the pitch and don't stay with the medical staff, we're going to be strong."And if we can make a few adjustments, I think we can have a strong team."I'm sure when the team is all working together we can achieve a lot."The Jambos are currently plagued by injury concerns, with Andy Webster and Mehdi Taouil (both groin) still struggling along with long-term absentees Kevin Kyle (hip) and Calum Elliot (knee).David Templeton (ankle), Adrian Mrowiec (knee), Jamie Hamill (leg) and Stephen Elliott (dead leg) have also been a cause for concern in the first week of Sergio's reign.Elliott is poised to miss the Dons clash, but Templeton, Mrowiec and Hamill should be fit.A number of squad members have been away on international duty, while Danny Grainger has been granted leave to be with his pregnant partner in hospital."It has not been ideal," Sergio said.As well as the injured, Ian Black will miss the Dons clash due to suspension following his straight red card in the 1-0 loss at Motherwell.Hearts contemplated an appeal, but Sergio's main concern is addressing a disciplinary record which has been poor in recent seasons and which has resulted in absences due to suspensions.He added: "I want my players playing hard, but in a legal way."I need the players playing, not in the dressing room."On Black's challenge, he said: "I think there was no bad intention."We thought about that (appealing), but it was the third game, let's have some patience."

Source: Team_Talk