No French folly tonight vows Weir.

David Weir returned to France last night determined to be more successful than on his previous visit - with Scotland.

As he and his Hearts team-mates prepare for tonight's pre-season match against Metz, the big defender is well aware that the hopes of Tynecastle fans will be higher than ever after the Scottish Cup triumph over Rangers.

Weir's World Cup adventure ended in misery against Morocco last month. But he insisted that, despite the 3- 0 drubbing, he had many positive memories from France and he hopes the experience will benefit him - and Hearts.

He said: "Losing in such a manner deeply hurt the Scottish players and fans.

"We had a chance to get through to the next stage for the first time but sadly it didn't happen for us.

"We really had built ourselves up to win that game, but it was still a great experience. I learned a lot, you're always learning in this game.

"Hopefully, the things I learned will stand me in good stead this season and I can help Hearts stay at the top of Scottish football.

"A good display against Metz would be an ideal morale-booster for the start of our campaign."

Last week, manager Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown took the Jambos to Dublin where they clocked up 1-0 victories over Bohemians and Irish champions St Patrick's Athletic.

Weir wasn't on that trip. Instead, he was enjoying an extended break following his World Cup exploits.

He's looking fit and well after a two-week holiday in Florida with fiancee Fiona.

Now he's just looking forward to the hard graft that is necessary before the start of a new season - and the forthcoming European Cup-Winners' Cup- tie against Estonian club Lantana.

While Hearts were in Dublin, Weir played for 45 minutes in a match against Airdrie at Grangemouth.

Tonight he knows that Hearts will have to be on their toes against classy Metz, team- mate Stephane Adam's former club.

Weir said: "I don't think there is any more pressure on the players - we always strive to do well.

"But I admit that there will be more expectation from our supporters and we will do all we can not to let them down.

"It's going to be a tough season.

"Celtic have had their problems. They've brought in their new manager but haven't added to last season's squad.

"Rangers' Dick Advocaat has spent millions. I saw Arthur Numan in France and he is an excellent player.

"They are the championship favourites and when you look at the team they've assembled that's no surprise.

"Hearts, of course, don't have the buying power of the Old Firm but that didn't prevent us being title contenders.

"We didn't win that but we were more than happy to take the Scottish Cup back to Tynecastle after so many years."

Weir is looking forward to playing this season alongside new recruits, former Dundee United central defender Steven Pressley - who was injured in Ireland - and ex-Twente Enschede defender Rob McKinnon.

He said: "Both are quality players and will be important additions to what is already a strong, highly-ambitious squad."

Jefferies, meanwhile, flew to Metz yesterday after watching Lantana's 2- 0 league win over Lelle.

He said: "Lantana are a big, strong side who pass the ball about. They'll be given every respect. You can't expect any easy games in Europe."

Taken from the Daily Record