Solberg bid to reclaim place

Aberdeen defender Thomas Solberg insists he is ready to fight for his place in the team after being sidelined for three months.

Injury worries have meant manager Ebbe Skovdahl has had to rely on younger players in recent weeks.

And although Solberg admits the team are doing well, he is confident of reclaiming his place in the side.

He said: "It's been a long three months out. I thought I would be out for three weeks but it's been really frustrating.

"The young lads have done really well in training but I am confident I can challenge them for a place in the team.

"We haven't scored many goals recently but we are controlling the game and playing better football.

"I am sure that if we keep playing good football then the goals will come."

The Dons suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of St Mirren last week and Skovdahl insists they must start picking up points to improve on their fourth bottom position in the league - starting against Hearts.

But the Dane admits Jim Jefferies' side were unlucky to exit the CIS Insurance Cup as a result of a 5-2 defeat against Celtic midweek and he expects a difficult game.

He said: "I have been very satisfied with the way the team has been playing but playing well is not enough.

"I am happy with the structure of the team and the number of chances we are creating but I am looking for more quality in our finishing.

"I think we will be in for a physical game. Hearts played a strong tackling game against Celtic in midweek and they were unlucky to lose 5-2.

"However, if we are professional in our approach then I am sure we can go on to win the game."

Arild Stavrum has recovered from flu but Phil McGuire could be a doubt with a swollen ankle and Russell Anderson faces a further examination of his injury.

Hearts striker Andy Kirk reckons the Tynecastle players performance against Celtic in midweek could be the boost they need to transform their season.

The confidence of Jim Jefferies' outfit hit rock bottom following the 6-2 pummelling by city rivals Hibs a fortnight ago.

Off-field unrest also led to around 500 angry supporters calling for chief executive Chris Robinson's head after last weekend's 3-0 defeat by St Johnstone.

However, the Tynecastle outfit restored some pride with Wednesday night's performance and Irish international Kirk believes the players can take great heart from that going into tomorrows clash with Aberdeen.

He said: "It is all down to confidence. When results are not going your way, some players confidence is low. But we are at home against Aberdeen and, if we play the way we did against Celtic, we should have no problems in the future.

"Hopefully our luck will change after Wednesday. Losing 5-2 is not a real reflection of the game. Over the 90 minutes I felt we did very well and if we perform like that every week, we would be challenging for the top three."

Hearts, who will give Colin Cameron and Gary Locke late fitness tests, have conceded 14 goals in the last three outings.

However, assistant manager Billy Brown reaffirmed his belief yesterday that there is no crisis at the club.

"Everyone's heads were down after the Hibs game, which is natural. But in general, no-one here is down. There is always the next game."

Hearts may once again look to youth, despite Brown admitting it is a difficult time to give kids a chance.

"It is not the best time to play young boys. But they're professionals and you need to be able to find out if they will swim or sink. I don't think any of them have let us down."