Pressley believes Hearts have international appeal

HEARTS skipper Steven Pressley is convinced there are more international stars in the making at Tynecastle.

The Scotland defender believes the Gorgie outfit is the sort of club that any aspiring footballer should want to play for.

"There are certainly players getting international recognition at Hearts," explained Pressley.

"I honestly think that we have got several other players in the squad who could progress into the international side.

"I don’t want to name names, because it is not my position to do so, but there is certainly a number of players in the squad who can progress this season, and I really hope that they do.

"The only way that you will get international recognition is if the team is doing well on the park and getting the right results.

"That in itself puts the players in the spotlight. I think the players know that if we get results on the park and their performances are right then they have a chance at a club like Hearts."

Craig Levein’s men finished third last season and many believe they will get closer to the Old Firm next time around, including the former Dundee United and Rangers man.

"It shows you the progression of the club over the last few seasons," he added.

"When I first broke into the national side and played there was only myself and Antti Niemi.

"Now you have the likes of Alan Maybury, young Andy [Webster] who has been involved for a couple of years, and Craig Gordon has made his international debut.

"There is also Kevin McKenna and Patrick Kisnorbo.

"When I first signed it was on the back of the Scottish Cup win."

Speaking out about Hearts’ football academy at Heriot-Watt University, Pressley added: "I think that in the last two or three years, with the financial constraints on the clubs, teams have realised the value of youth.

"There was a time when I thought that people forgot about what was an important part of the game, grassroots and youth development. I think it was not until the problems came to the game that clubs started to move on this.

"As a club we have to look to progress again. We have shown progression in the last couple of seasons.

"I know we were third again last season, but our points tally was an increase on the season before.

"We should look to do that again, and try to close the gap on the big two.

"If we show that type of progression then it is obviously good for the club. It has to be an ambition of the players here, you must look to better yourself.

"To do that we will have to try to split the Old Firm this season. We also have the lure of European football this season with the mouth-watering prospect of a group stage. It would be tremendous for the club if we could get ourselves involved in that."

Taken from the Scotsman