Beware Bosnian tricks, warns Newcastle boss

PAUL KIDDIE

NEWCASTLE United boss Sir Bobby Robson today warned Hearts to beware of the ‘con men’ of Zeljeznicar, the Magpies chief claiming the Bosnians will resort to anything to get a result in the second leg of their UEFA Cup clash.

As the Jambos prepare to lock horns with the Sarajevo side tomorrow night, the former England manager recalled last season’s brush with the Balkan battlers as the Premiership giants eased their way to victory in the Champions League qualifier.

A Kieron Dyer goal gave Newcastle a 1-0 win in Sarajevo before they completed the job in style with a 4-0 triumph at St James’ Park in the return.

Craig Levein leads his men into Euro action for the first time on foreign soil at the Kosevo Olympic Stadium tomorrow night and Robson has warned the Jambos to expect all sorts of gamesmanship as the home team strive to overturn the 2-0 deficit from the first leg at Tynecastle.

"We were a bit different to Hearts in that we had the first leg in Sarajevo and managed to win the game 1-0," said Robson. "While we were always in control, it was never easy, although we did go on and win the second leg 4-0 at St James’ Park.

"There is no doubt it is a tough place to play. Zeljeznicar are a good technical team, although maybe a bit negative in terms of getting forward. All sides in the Balkans play good football and the country has produced many good players.

"The Hearts team will have to be careful as the Zeljeznicar players will want every decision going and will put pressure on the referee to get them.

"They will try every trick in the book to win free-kicks, corners and penalties and the crowd will get at the referee every time he doesn’t award something.

"I just hope that UEFA has appointed strong officials for the game who can be fair and honest and not be conned by their actions."

The Olympic Stadium was near to capacity for the visit of the Magpies 14 months ago and Robson admits he was taken aback by the atmosphere created by the 36,000 crowd.

"It is obviously a war-torn area which is still suffering some recriminations from that," said Robson.

"Over there sport is one of the few things which brings pleasure to people and the football acts as an outlet for their emotions.

"The hostility from the stands was awesome and not something we are used to in Britain so it is going to be a test for Hearts.

"The locals are very hostile and the crowd was volatile with the public very much pro their team. The atmosphere was actually quite intimidating, it was unsettling and you need the players to keep their nerves."

With a place in Friday’s second-round draw at stake, Robson reckons Hearts must look to grab a vital away goal.

He said: "Where there is life there is hope and while 2-0 is a good advantage to have from the first leg, if Zeljeznicar get the first goal, Hearts will be in for a heck of game.

"The key is not to concede early on because if they get a whiff of victory in the early exchanges, it could be a result they are capable of turning round.

"The pitch was all right when we played there, albeit a bit bumpy which was to Zeljeznicar’s advantage. Due to the lack of money in Bosnia, they are never going to be able to produce a Wembley or Hampden Park but the facilities were okay.

"The key to the match is if Hearts can score. If they do then that will be a huge advantage for them on the night."

Taken from the Scotsman