Robertson could be back in old routine

From the archive
Share

1 Nov 1997

Veteran John Robertson seems certain to make his 500th appearance for Hearts today to help consolidate their position at the head of the premier division.

A one-match suspension for French striker Stephane Adam clears the way for Robertson to etch his name deeper into Tynecastle folklore.

Mother Nature will also play a part in the composition of the team manager Jim Jefferies will field against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Midfielder Colin Cameron's wife is expecting their first child and he may be forced to call off.

Jefferies explained yesterday: ''If his wife goes into labour at any stage today, he will be allowed to leave the squad and return home.

''But if nothing happens until we are established in Aberdeen, then he does not want to know about the birth until after the final whistle.

We have spoken together and know exactly where we both stand on the matter.'' Understandably, Jefferies is reluctant to disturb his team any further than necessary against an Aberdeen team showing belated signs of a revival.

There is belief within Pittodrie that victory over the Edinburgh side will again prove a watershed.

Last season Aberdeen moved into second place in the league after victory at Tynecastle, only to tumble straight down the table and eventually flirt with relegation.

Defender Brian O'Neil, recovered from surgery to remove a sliver of floating bone from his ankle two weeks ahead of schedule, insisted: ''Beating Hearts would show people our intent and ability to get back among the challenging pack.

''Winning two successive games has restored confidence within the dressing-room, although players never lost the conviction that what we were attempting to do was correct.

''It was more a sense of frustration that affected us and we were not helped by a run of injuries, For instance, no one has been able to establish a regular place in defence, which has been unfortunate and influenced results.

''It has been a stop-start season for many of us, but games cannot come quickly enough for us now.

''We are doing things spontaneously rather than thinking about them and a lot of hard work has been put in to change the course of results.

Now the need is to secure a few more wins, but it will not be easy against Hearts who are are flying high.'' Aberdeen will be without injured striker Mike Newell.

Five others - midfielder Paul Bernard, central defender John Inglis, Bulgarian full back Tzanko Tzvetanov and youngsters Jamie Buchan and Darren Young - all require late fitness tests.

Manager Roy Aitken conceded: ''Our resources are really stretched, which is not an ideal situation before such an important game.

But at least we have Brian O'Neil and Billy Dodds back to redress the balance.

''I was extremely impressed with Hearts' win in midweek over Dunfermline and they are one of the in-form teams in the country.

''They have got the bit between their teeth and will command our full respect.

Since the start of the season we have performed better than our results indicate.

Our problems have arisen from being unable to sustain consistent pressure and kill off the opposition.

''That happened at Tynecastle when we were dominant and then lost three goals in quick succession.

However, we have added grit and determination to our game and hopefully we can build on our last two wins.

''The opportunity is there to close the gap and I expect the players to sieze it.

They can be assured that our supporters, who have rallied magnificently despite our results, will provide the backing the team needs.'' Bookies' View: Aberdeen - 13-8, Hearts - 7-4, draw - 9-4.

Aberdeen v Hearts

Taken from the Herald