Problem child Pinilla the answer to Hearts problems?

Feature by Scott The Jambo
Updated Thursday, 21st June 2007

A look at the mercurial front man from Chile

Chilean loose-cannon Mauricio Pinilla looks set to head back to Tynecastle today ahead of pre-season training.

Pinilla has only made 6 appearances for the Jambos, a fact which has been frustrating for their supporters, who see a player who could rival, and perhaps even beat, Rudi Skacel for cult hero status.

'Pinigol' is 50% owned by Italian giants Inter, but shows no sign of producing the type of form that would dislodge the likes of Crespo, Ibrahimovich and Adriano.

The most likely route forward for Mauro is to come back to Hearts and start banging in the goals.

Hearts were generally woeful in front of goal last season, with Roman Bednar flattering to decieve, Pospisil out of sorts and Jankauskas a complete waste of space. There seems to be no doubt that Mauro is something of a genius with the ball at his feet, but with all great geniuses, his mental state must be questioned.

Forget training and dedication. Drink, drugs and debauchery seem to be the words Mauro lives by, giving the impression of a player, at 23 years old, who has had enough of football. He recently spoke of his hope to retire from the game and become a football agent.

But there is no doubt he could be a revelation in the SPL if the Jambos could only keep him fit, and enjoying his football.

He would literally be like a new player, and there would be no need for Frail, Romanov, or any new coach to look elsewhere for a striker.