Boyack's desperate to make up for lost time

HEARTS BY PAUL KIDDIE

THE SPL campaign may be about to enter its final stages - but Hearts star Steven Boyack could be forgiven for wishing the season was only just starting.

The former Dundee midfielder has endured a nightmare seven months on the sidelines after undergoing a hernia operation following the stomach muscle injury sustained in September during the UEFA Cup clash against Zeljeznicar.

Today’s inclusion in Craig Levein’s squad for the visit to Gorgie of Livingston marked his first involvement with the first team since limping out of the first half of the Euro clash with the Bosnians last September.

The 27-year-old felt a sharp pain as he tried to deliver a ball from wide on the right. And while he knew immediately there was something wrong, he could not have envisaged the length of time he would ultimately face on the sidelines.

Following his recovery from the hernia problem and muscle pull, Boyack suffered an Achilles injury as he tried to fight his way back to fitness.

That particular problem proved slow to resolve itself, Boyack only recently feeling fit enough to play Under-21 matches.

But with three reserve games under his belt, Levein welcomed him back into the fold for today’s visit of the Lions and the Tynecastle playmaker is now hoping to make up for some lost time in the remaining few weeks of the season. "My pulled stomach muscle complicated things a bit and then I had some bad luck with the Achilles injury," he said.

"That took time to settle down and then just when I looked ready to get back involved, it flared up again so it has taken a lot longer to get back than I had hoped.

"There’s never a good time to be out injured but time is clearly running out.

"There are only five games left after today and to be honest I wouldn’t mind if there were 15 left to play.

"It’s difficult not being involved every weekend and I just want to get out there playing regularly again."

With his contract expiring in the summer, the 27-year-old knows he will have to make the most of any opportunities which may come his way between now and the end of the season.

Boyack gave a real balance to Levein’s side last season but saw the injuries wreck his chance to build on that progress as Hearts enjoyed European adventures to Sarajevo and Bordeaux.

Having had a brief taste of the UEFA Cup atmosphere against Zeljeznicar seven months ago - and watched at home on television as his team-mates carved out a magnificent first-leg victory in France - the midfielder would like to do what he can to help the Jambos book a return ticket to Europe next season.

Hearts went into today’s meeting with the CIS Cup holders eight points clear of nearest rivals Dunfermline and firm favourites to finish third again, although Boyack remains in the dark whether he will be at Tynecastle next season for another tilt at the UEFA Cup.

"Missing out the European football was a real disappointment," he said.

"I didn’t travel to Bordeaux but watched on TV and was roaring the boys on to what was a superb result. It really made me feel like I wanted to be there.

"I was then helping with the hospitality lounges for the return leg and the buzz and anticipation which was going around the whole club that evening really brought it home to me what being in Europe is all about and there is a definite hunger to get back there.

"It would be great for Hearts to get back there again next season and hopefully I can contribute in the games which are remaining. I certainly feel as if I can do that.

"If we do manage to get into the UEFA Cup again, hopefully I’ll still be at the club. But I don’t want to get into the contract situation at the moment as my focus is getting back into the first team again.

"If I can do that then it will be a case of take things from there."

Although he took time to settle on his arrival from Dundee in January 2001, Boyack eventually won over the fans with his performances.

And he admits support from the Gorgie faithful during his extended period out of the game, helped in his recovery. "When I went to watch game I sometimes found myself sitting in amongst the supporters and they were always wishing me all the best and saying they hoped to see me back.

"There were also letters sent to the club wishing me well. That was great and really whetted my appetite and made me feel like wanting to get out there and pull the jersey on again.

"You don’t realise just how much you miss football until you’re out injured for so long.

"I know we have had a hectic period recently but I’d gladly play three games in a week just now."

Levein is happy to have Boyack back to help extend his midfield options in the run-in to the season, the playmaker given his chance today with Paul Hartley suspended after his red card at Firhill.

"Steven is a different type of player for us," he said.

"He can play wide and has a great delivery into the box.

"It has been a frustrating time for him, particularly as he hasn’t been dogged by injury in his career.

"He has had one or two wee things but this must be the worst period he has been out. He took a while to win the fans over but showed what he could do last season and at the beginning of this season and it will be good to have him back."

Taken from the Scotsman