Frail does not accept that Hearts' season is over

Hearts caretaker manager Stevie Frail believes that the handball that led to Barry Ferguson's first goal changed the course of the game against Rangers.

"It was definitely handball," Frail said after the 2-0 CIS Insurance Cup semi-final defeat at Hampden.

"I don't think it was intentional, but it changes the direction of the ball.

"It was a great finish from him, it probably changed the course of the game. They got a lift from it and they probably had their best period."

Hearts are now out of both cup competitions, but Frail warned his players not to put the tools away for the rest of the season.

I don't want guys who will wallow in this, or wait until May to jet off to the sun Hearts caretaker manager Stevie Frail

"I have read that if we had lost then that was our season over," he said. "Well, it's not for me.

"I've told the players that if they think the season is over then they can stay in that dressing-room.

"I don't want guys who will wallow in this, or wait until May to jet off to the sun.

"I need guys who will roll their sleeves up and our target is a top-six spot. Every game is a cup final for us, starting against Gretna."