Have a Heart: Wallace urges Jefferies to play Goncalves Pic: ©STV
Lee Wallace is urging Hearts boss Jim Jefferies to play Jose Goncalves for the rest of the season regardless of whether he signs a new contract or not. Goncalves was fielded for the first time since December in Hearts’ 1-0 defeat to Dundee United on Sunday as a last resort after the Jambos were plagued by injuries.
The Portuguese defender is free to leave the club in the summer and has so far been unwilling to commit to the Edinburgh side which has resulted in Jefferies leaving him on the bench until he signs a new deal.
Wallace meanwhile hopes the Hearts boss fields the 24-year-old “rock” for the rest of the season as the side battle to make their way up the SPL.
"Of course we want to see Jose remain here and play for the rest of the season,” said Wallace. "Whatever the issues are off the park hopefully they can take care of themselves.
"Jose was like a rock at the back. It was a big plus for us to have him in the team.
"He was only 50-50 in training the day before the game so to come in and play so well speaks volumes for him. It shows his fitness, desire and commitment to the club to come in at such short notice."
Scotland full-back Wallace, who played in the 1-0 friendly victory over Czech Republic last week, wore a bandage on Sunday to protect an eye injury. Hearts were missing around 15 players through injury for the game against the Arabs and Wallace was asked to fill in alongside Goncalves.
"The gaffer asked me about playing centre-half and I'm quite happy to play there. I'll play there next week as well if needs must,” said Wallace.
"The most important thing is to get results - not where individuals play. But I was probably the only one playing out of position. We won't make excuses and use the injuries as a get-out clause."
