Marius Zaliukas’ fax leaves Csaba Laszlo in a lather

MARIUS ZALIUKAS has withdrawn from Lithuania’s Baltic Cup squad by fax, thus incurring the wrath of national coach Csaba Laszlo.

The Hearts captain cited fatigue for refusing to play for his country in the four-team tournament having used the same reason for a similar withdrawal two years ago.

However, Laszlo is upset that the defender failed to contact him personally. “We received a fax which was written in Scotland by Marius saying he played every minute for Hearts this season and wants to rest, which is understandable,” said Laszlo, who also managed Zaliukas at Hearts.

“It’s disappointing to only receive a fax from Marius. Other players who pulled out of the squad talked to me. I like my players to take the initiative and show some interest.”