PAULO SERGIO, who won the Scottish Cup as Hearts manager, insists that any criticism of the current incumbent Gary Locke is misplaced.

Despite working with a transfer embargo and a 15-point deduction for administration, Locke has still attracted flak from some elements of the support who question whether a different manager could have done better in the circumstances.

"It's very unfair to criticise," Sergio said. "Lockey is doing a fantastic job. These are not the best conditions to make a fantastic season and everybody should recognise that and the big effort and all the commitment Lockey has from this squad."