 Michael Stewart will not be in the Hearts squad for tonight's game against Dundee United, with manager Jim Jefferies admitting he still is not sure if the midfielder has played his last game for the club. Stewart, who is out of contract is the summer, angered Jefferies with his reaction to being substituted against Motherwell just over a week ago. Stewart's successor as skipper, Marius Zaliukas, is expected to shake off a thigh strain, but David Obua and Laryea Kingston serve one-match bans, while Andrew Driver, Jose Goncalves, Marian Kello, Janos Balogh and Mark Ridgers are not expected to play again this season. The well publicised accounts for last year have not fazed Jeffries as he has had to work with extremely tight budgets in the past. Jefferies claims he has no problem being ordered to make further cutbacks by Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov, insisting he had it much worse at Kilmarnock. The Jambos announced on Monday they would step up efforts to slash the wage bill at Tynecastle after announcing their debt had risen by almost £5million to just under £35million for the year ending 31 July, 2009. The likes of Goncalves, Kingston and Stewart are all set to leave when their contracts expire this summer, while other big earners whose deals still have more than a season to run will eventually also be shown the door if they refuse to accept reduced terms. Players could even be sold in order to raise funds as Hearts attempt to break even in the medium term. Jefferies reiterated on Tuesday that he would be prepared to halve the club's wage bill, describing the playing budget at Tynecastle as "unbelievable''. He also pointed out other teams were in a far more perilous state, including his former side Kilmarnock, who Jefferies managed for almost eight years until January. Killie's cutbacks included axing the club doctor and preventing Jefferies hiring Gary Locke to his coaching staff, decisions which played a big part in his departure. Jefferies said: "There are a lot of clubs who have got a lot worse financial situations than Hearts. It's not like I've had in the past with other situations where I've had to cut back on minor things - which I'd better not mention.'' Jefferies also pointed out the bulk of Hearts' debt was to Ukio Banko Investicine Grupe (UBIG), majority shareholder Romanov's private investment vehicle. Jefferies said: "It's a debt to the bank but we know that's where Mr Romanov is involved heavily''. United will travel to Tynecastle with Jeno Myrie-Williams back in the squad after he returns from being suspended for Saturday's game against Rangers. Striker Danny Cadamarteri is out with a dislocated shoulder so will join Francisco Sandaza (hamstring) and Paul Dixon (foot) on the sidelines. Youngsters Craig Hill and Ryan Dow remain in contention. United coach Paul Hegarty has revealed the Tannadice players are so buoyant ahead of the Active Nation Scottish Cup final, he has had to tell them to calm down in training. The last thing the Tangerines want is to pick up any injuries so while they remain working at a high tempo, Hegarty - who joined the club's backroom staff in January - has warned against over-exuberance. The former Aberdeen and Livingston manager played for United for 16 years before spending spells as coach and manager. With close friend Peter Houston in charge following Craig Levein's departure, Hegarty was invited back and revealed he is having the time of his life. He said: "The lads have been flying and, to be honest, we're having to tell them to pull back a bit. Their attitude is smashing, they are all desperate to play their part and you can see that with the way they are training. But as coaches you have to make sure you don't pick up injuries so sometimes we have to put the reins on them sometimes. I've been back here for three months now and their attitude has been like that all along. I'm loving every minute of it, everyone knows this is my club. I spent 16 years at Tannadice as a player and then more time on the coaching staff. I was delighted to be asked back when Peter got the job, it's an honour to be here because this club is my first love. And when you are working with players who are so keen to learn it makes every day enjoyable.'' |