Sergio succeeded Jim Jefferies in August but soon saw things turn sour when owner Vladimir Romanov announced cost-cutting measures at Hearts, leading to four months of significant wage delays.

And yet, Hearts have the prospect of making it a glorious conclusion to the season when they take on holders Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday.

Sergio, who is out of contract in the summer, intends to enjoy himself after the difficulties he has endured.

"Nobody promised me this was going to be a fairytale," said the 44-year-old.

"When hard things come you have to deal with them. I'm not a guy that quits, so I fight and I'm here, alive and happy.

"My future is not important. I'm just one of the group. The important thing is Hearts."

Turnaround

And Sergio is proud of that group - particularly the way they turned things around after looking likely to miss out on a top-six spot until recently.

"Two, three weeks ago, people were afraid we weren't going to be in the first six," Sergio said.

"We got to the split 11 points in front of seventh place in the league (Kilmarnock) and we are one point from fifth place (Dundee United) and two from fourth (St Johnstone).

"In all we've lived this season, with our injuries, our problems, I think I can speak positively.

"But now it's not the end of the line. I hope we can be speaking about the cup next week too.

"It's going to be a pleasure, an honour to play in that magnificent stadium and I want to enjoy it.

"We're very focused on our job but we have to enjoy it too. We have a chance to go through."