Hearts swell Lithuanian contingent

Heart of Midlothian FC have added yet another Lithuanian to their ranks, securing the signature of FBK Kaunas midfielder Marius Žaliukas on loan until the end of the season.

Lithuanian influence
The 22-year-old, who played in a holding role for Kaunas, becomes the fifth Lithuanian player at a club coached by Valdas Ivanauskas and owned by Kaunas-based entrepreneur Vladimir Romanov. Hearts need to overturn a 2-1 home defeat by AEK Athens FC next week in Greece if they are to reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time.