Wee man opens his big heart

JOHN GREECHAN

JOHN ROBERTSON was in untypically selfless mood for a striker on Saturday, dedicating Hearts' famous victory to everyone from his late father to the class of 1986 who suffered the biggest disappointment in club history.

The Tynecastle side's record goal scorer even forgave manager Jim Jefferies for leaving him on the bench, and not managing to get him on before the final whistle.

He said: 'The manager actually apologised to me, because I was stripped and ready to go on, but he got it wrong and the final whistle went before we could make the change.

'It didn't really matter, because this was such a great day for the club.

'When I was holding the trophy up to the fans, I was thinking about my dad, John, who died when I was 14.

'Ever since he died, he has kicked every ball with me. Every record I've broken, and every goal I've scored, has been for him.' Robertson is out of contract, and has not been guaranteed even a place on the bench this season, but it's still hard to imagine him leaving the club he's been with for 18 years.

He has promised to talk with Jefferies this week about his future, but on Saturday his only thoughts were about hanging on for the victory which has eluded Hearts for 36 years.

The 33-year-old was probably more nervous watching than he would have been playing, and revealed he thought Ally McCoist had won a late penalty when Davie Weir fouled him right on the edge of the box.

Robertson said: 'I was sure the referee was pointing at the spot, and had given a penalty.

'But full marks to the linesman for standing his ground, and insisting the foul was outside the box.

'I also think credit should go to Rangers for showing such dignity and class in defeat. That is what they have been for years, a class side. But we've waited a long time for this trophy, and now the celebrations can really begin.'

JOHN GREECHAN