End of Lithuanian era as Novikovas freed by Hearts

HeARTs have reached the end of an era as they get set to begin next season without a single Lithuanian player in their squad after releasing winger Arvydas Novikovas.

As majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov’s grip on the Tynecastle club seemingly loosens amid his business empire crumbling, so has his influence on the pitch.

Hearts are preparing for next term without any players from the Baltic state for the first time in eight-and-ahalf years.

Captain Marius Zaliukas is also expected to part company with the club this summer as the board oversee a further round of cost-cutting.

Despite impressing on trial at Portuguese giants Benfica, left-sided midfielder Novikovas joined Hearts in 2008.

The Lithuanian internationalist scored three goals in 37 appearances last term but struggled for action during the second half of the campaign following the emergence of Jamie walker.

A Hearts spokesperson said: “Arvydas Novikovas has become the latest first team player to leave Hearts on the expiration of his contract.”

The Gorgie outfit have already released Danny Grainger, Mehdi Taouil, Gordon smith, Fraser Mullen and Denis Prychynenko.

wingers saulius Mikoliunas and Deividas Cesnauskis were the first Lithuanians to arrive at Hearts in January 2005 on loan from FBK Kaunas just months before Romanov’s takeover.