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Hearts boss plays down rift rumours

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov
Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov

Hearts head coach Valdas Ivanauskas has rejected suggestions his job is on the line after an alleged row with club owner Vladimir Romanov.

The two were said to have been involved in a 'furious bust-up' in the wake of Wednesday's goalless draw with Bosnians Siroki Brijeg, which allowed the Tynecastle outfit to progress to next week's Champions League third qualifying round clash with Greeks AEK Athens after a 3-0 aggregate win.

Romanov, who last season sacked George Burley and Graham Rix during a turbulent campaign, has since voiced his concerns at what he saw as an unsatisfactory performance in Bosnia and the team's preparations for the season ahead.

However, speaking before a vital period which sees Hearts take on champions Celtic on Sunday and AEK at Murrayfield on Wednesday, Ivanauskas has denied claims of an argument with Romanov.

And, even though he has acknowledged his side put in a below-par performance in midweek, he has insisted the main thing was to progress to the final qualifying round.

He said: 'I don't know what has been in the newspapers. After the game we went direct for our flight back. I didn't speak to Mr Romanov.

'Okay, the performance was not the best but the result very important and we got the result.'

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