Laszlo: Nade is Hearts' model pro

CHRISTIAN NADE is now one of Hearts' most professional players according to manager Csaba Laszlo, who is preparing to play the reformed Frenchman against Airdrie United in tonight's Co-operative Insurance Cup tie.

Laszlo will rejig his side this evening to give game time to players who have so far been used only sporadically, if at all, in the first team.

Nade is in contention to start having impressed the manager with his dedication to getting fully fit.

The striker has lost weight since last season and now spends long hours at Riccarton striving to hone his talent. Laszlo stressed that he is setting an example to others at the club.

"At the moment Christian Nade is one of our most professional players. He stays on the training field and takes time to improve," said the Hungarian as he emphasised his contentment with the first six weeks of his Hearts tenure.

"I am so happy about my team at the moment," he continued. "They understand what I need, what I like. Mr Romanov calls me and tells me: 'Do it, make it'.

"This is important, to have the protection and to feel it.

"At the moment I am very satisfied. I am unhappy about a lot of things but not unsatisfied.

"We have other players like Jamie Mole, Christophe Berra and Michael Stewart, all who are growing into the team. In six weeks we have had great development. This is what I need."

Calum Elliot has departed for a six-month loan at First Division Livingston, but other players in contention to play this evening include Ruben Palazuelos, Eggert Jonsson and Deividas Cesnauskis. Hearts hope international clearance will arrive in time to allow the Hungarian goalkeeper Janos Balogh to make his debut, although that looked doubtful this morning.

The 25-year-old is in Edinburgh on a six-month loan from Debrecen and is determined to secure the No.1 slot. "I know there is competition there but if I get the chance I will use it to be number one," he said.

"I will work in training to show I am a good goalkeeper. I have confidence and a responsibility to myself."

Balogh claimed that an unnamed Italian club had attempted to sign him last season. "There was a Serie A club interested but I did not have an agent at the time," he said. "The two clubs could not agree because Debrecen wanted a big sum."

Meanwhile, Hearts reserves drew 0-0 with an experienced Rangers side at Murray Park yesterday afternoon.

The Ibrox outfit fielded Charlie Adam and Christian Dailly in their starting line-up but Hearts threatened first when Craig Sives went close only to send his header wide from a couple of yards out.

Jamie MacDonald was on hand at the other end to deny efforts from Rory Loy and John Fleck before Juho Makela passed up a late chance.