Our weekly round-up of what was said on Setanta's SPL Press Box programme.
In a week where off-field problems at Hearts have once again hit the headlines, the team’s on-field performances have been praised by Setanta Sports panellists.
It emerged this week that several Hearts players were still waiting on their overdue salaries from last week.
It is the second week running that Vladimir Romanov has failed to pay their wages on time, throwing the club into yet more controversy.
Speaking on Setanta Sports’ Press Box panel show, Gerry McNee voiced his concerns on the situation:
“It’s happened twice now, this is their livelihoods and when players don’t get their salaries its obviously a worry."
The latest turmoil at Tynecastle has overshadowed a period of solid performances on the pitch, which has seen Hearts rack up five wins on the trot including last Saturday’s impressive 2-1 victory over Rangers.
Speaking on Press Box, The Herald’s Darryl Broadfoot laid much of the credit at the feet of manager Csaba Laszlo:
“I’m impressed by him, he’s won the respect of the players very quickly. There are no more egos in the dressing room, and he’s managed to keep Vladimir Romanov at bay. He faced his biggest test of the season last Saturday against Rangers and the team passed with flying colours.
“But of course it’s come at the worst possible time, with Romanov not paying the wages and the club once again on the verge of a crisis.”
Hearts' recent form, which has propelled them into third spot in the Clydesbank Premier League, has been aided by strong performances from key players. McNee pinpointed skipper Christophe Berra as their key performer:
“I’ve said for a while now that I think he’s the best young player we’ve got in the country, and I think he should be in the national side.”
Broadfoot hailed the impact of Portuguese midfielder Bruno Aguiar who recently returned to the team after being out injured for the past 18 months.
“Against Rangers he was up against [Pedro] Mendes and [Barry] Ferguson, and he beat them. He did everything required of an attacking midfielder, and supported Christian Nade with his great vision.
"He has everything."