Andy fills the gap in biggest club test

PAUL KIDDIE

INJURED Hearts skipper Steven Pressley may be finding it difficult to shake off the feeling of disappointment at missing the Jambos’ UEFA Cup showdown against Bordeaux tonight.

But his clouds of despondency have provided a silver lining for team-mate Andy Webster, who is set to be handed the responsibility of shackling Jean-Claude Darcheville & Co in this evening’s second round, second leg tie.

The Gorgie outfit go into tonight’s showdown in front of a sell-out Tynecastle with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in France after Mark de Vries’ strike stunned the home side in the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Pressley had been hoping to lead his men into the heat of battle but will instead be forced to watch what would have been the biggest game of his domestic career from the main stand after limping out of Sunday’s win over Hibs with a thigh injury.

His departure midway through the first half of the derby opened the door for Webster and the young stopper grasped the opportunity with both hands with an imperious display alongside Kevin McKenna at the centre of the Jambos rearguard.

Having come off the bench to fill the considerable gap left by Pressley four days ago, the former Arbroath man is hoping to step into his injured captain’s shoes with similar aplomb as Hearts now attempt to secure a place in Europe beyond Christmas.

Webster and McKenna look certain to form the defensive pairing at the back tonight and the Scotland stopper can’t wait to sample what promises to be a special atmosphere inside Tynecastle.

"It was nice to play on Sunday. If you’re on the bench during games you are obviously wanting to get on but being a centre back the chances of that happening are normally quite slim," he said.

"Usually it takes an injury for that to happen and unfortunately for Elvis, it was him who had to go off against Hibs.

"It’s a pity for him but good for me. It’s unfortunate that I got my chance in the derby through an injury to a team-mate but I do feel I have been playing reasonably well recently.

"Playing alongside Kevin was good as we know each other’s game and it was just a case of picking up where we left off against Aberdeen.

"This is one of the biggest club games that probably most of us will have played in and I’m really looking forward to it."

While the Gorgie faithful will turn up in their droves boosted by their team’s first-leg heroics, Webster has warned the fans that the task facing Hearts remains daunting.

Levein’s tactical masterplan in Bordeaux worked a treat but he freely admitted after the first leg that he would have to think carefully how he approached the return given the unexpected advantage.

Irrespective of what game plan he decides, Webster insists the tie is far from over.

"It was a tough match in France but this one is going to be as difficult, if not even more so," he said.

"Bordeaux are a very good side and it will take a massive effort from us to get through.

"They will probably feel they were a bit unlucky in the first leg as they hit the woodwork and missed a couple of chances.

"But you have to ride your luck when you are the away team in Europe and we did well to come back with a result which gives us a chance of getting through.

"They have quality throughout their side and are a great passing side. It is going to be difficult but with the fans behind us hopefully we can do it.

"Being at Tynecastle gives us a great opportunity of progressing and we are on the brink of something special.

"You always want to get into the next round when playing in cup competitions but the European stage is that bit bigger and we want to progress."

Webster was dropped by Levein after Hearts’ 5-0 thumping from Celtic last month but won his place back for the first-leg clash in Bordeaux.

He went on to start in the win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie, although found himself back among the substitutes for the derby at the weekend.

"I was left out by the boss for a few games. That is up to him as he felt it was the right thing to do," he said. "Missing out like that does give you a kick up the backside and spurs you on to get back in and keep improving. Hopefully I can do that."

The Gorgie outfit go into tonight’s crunch match with confidence high after six straight wins, young keeper Craig Gordon having been a key performer in the impressive run.

He starred against Bordeaux three weeks ago and will again have an important role this evening.

"Craig is a top young keeper and his success hasn’t surprised me," added Webster. "He has loads of potential and showed what a good goalie he is in the first leg in Bordeaux.

"Away from home in Europe you need your keeper to be on top of his game and Craig made a few very good saves in the match.

"He has coped with everything very well and I’m sure it will be the same tonight.

"I think the key to success will be trying to keep things tight at the back but at the same time looking to score."

Taken from the Scotsman