Stephen Frail is seeking talks with Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov over his future at Tynecastle.

Frail, still acting assistant coach to Anatoly Korobochka with the SPL kick-off just a week away, is optimistic Hearts owner Romanov will finally put an end to the uncertainty over the permanency of the managerial set-up at the club.

"I am hoping things will be sorted out next week," said Frail.

"Once all the hype surrounding this Barcelona game dies down, then I can concentrate on getting my own future sorted out. I've tried not to think about it, but it's in the back of my mind. I'm just trying to get on as best as I can with the job I've been given between the end of last season and now.

"I haven't made any demands or requests to see Mr Romanov. When he decides the time is right, then fine, but I'm hoping something can be sorted out before the season starts.

"I know that he expects us to win every game and I think that's right. He will expect a longer, sustained challenge because he believes that what we have should be enough to go and do that. We did it a couple of years ago and it's up to us on the coaching side to make sure we get the best out of the players we have to make that challenge.

"It's not every day you get a chance to play against teams like Barcelona, but we want it to be like this every year by getting into the Champions League. For the moment, we have to deal with it just being a pre-season game.

"We are looking forward to it. This is a fantastic end to our pre-season preparations. We are excited and will enjoy it, just so long as we also get out of the game the things we want. I expect it to be competitive. I was at Tannadice on Thursday and it was physical from both teams at times. Dundee United did well but Barcelona want to win every game, they are proud players. They won't be taking it easy and it's up to us to make sure we don't either, because it's our last game before we play Hibs."