Hearts have asserted they were still in the dark over reports Vladimir Romanov is poised to appoint a new sporting director at the club.

The Jambos confirmed majority shareholder Romanov had visited Tynecastle on Tuesday and had addressed Csaba Laszlo's squad.

But they said they had no knowledge former Lithuania Under-19 coach Ivan Svabovic is set to fill the position left vacant by Anatoly Korobochka this summer.

After Hearts stunned Celtic at Parkhead last night to reach the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-finals, manager Laszlo insisted he would welcome a new sporting director, dismissing claims Polish-born Svadovic had already been appointed.

Laszlo, who this week revealed his frustration at watching the club go backwards this season, also welcomed Romanov's visit, which appeared to have the desired effect ahead of last night's 1-0 win at Parkhead.

The match also provided some redemption for captain Michael Stewart, who scored the winning penalty days after being booed off the park by a section of his own supporters against Falkirk.

"Listen, these things happen in football," said a phlegmatic Stewart.

"Things turn around very quickly and that's what's happened."

Stewart, who shrugged off an ankle injury to lead his side to victory, added: "I don't think there was any question of me sitting the game out."

Hearts have been criticised for a start to the season that sees them ninth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League but Stewart said of last night's result: "There's not a great deal of difference with previous performances; it's just the fact that the ball's gone in the back of the net.

"If it had been the situation in a couple of other games where we'd managed to get the ball in the back of the net, everybody would be looking on the performances in a completely different light."

Midfielder Stewart urged his side to capitalise on their shock win by reaching the final.

"I think a good cup run gives everybody a boost of confidence and lets us look upon the positives," he told Hearts.TV.

"The possibility of getting to a cup final is a great incentive for everybody to aim towards."

Laszlo urged his players to forget their cup heroics and focus solely on Saturday's SPL trip to Motherwell.

"I have told the players that we have achieved only one victory," Laszlo said.

"Yes it is a good win, a very good win, but now we must take confidence and build on this.

"A good team can win individual games or rise to one-off special occasions but a top team is one that can keep a high level of consistency.

"The players understand what is required of them and with continued concentration and hard work they can show the true ability that they possess.

"Football is about the head as much as it is about the feet."

Laszlo thanked the Hearts supporters who travelled to Parkhead and urged them to turn out in force at Fir Park.

"Every club knows there is a big difference between 'supporters' and 'fans', you know," he said.

"Last night, we had nearly 1,000 supporters backing the team.

"Every one of them played a part in our success.

"I said before it is easy to back the team when we are winning but I am especially happy for supporters that showed their belief in the team and travelled to back us in such good numbers."