De Vries hoping to put wise men through the mill

By PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS go into tomorrow’s clash with Millwall knowing that a two-goal win over the FA Cup finalists will guarantee the Jambos victory in the International Pacific Soccer Series.

Following Canada B’s surprise 1-0 win over Dennis Wise’s outfit yesterday, the Jambos will go into the showpiece finale in Vancouver knowing exactly what is required to ensure a victorious return to Tynecastle.

Boss Craig Levein is well aware the match will provide his players with the sternest test of the pre-season tour to British Columbia, the Gorgie outfit having drawn with the Canadian development side in their opening game and then comfortably disposed off the Pacific Coast All Stars in Victoria.

Towering striker Mark de Vries will be a key man in the Swangard Stadium tomorrow night, the Dutchman set to return to the starting line-up after a late substitute’s appearance two days ago.

People may say results don’t matter during pre-season but there is no doubt Hearts will be keen to strike a blow for Scotland against the Lions.

"The tour has been good and it would be great if we could win tomorrow," said De Vries.

"Obviously it is going to be difficult as Millwall are a quality side but we improved from our opening game against the All Stars and hopefully we can keep it going tomorrow in the final game."

De Vries is the first to acknowledge the role boss Craig Levein has played in his development as an influential striker in the SPL, the powerful target man having established himself as one of the most feared front men in Scotland.

The 28-year-old reckons his boss has the knack of getting the best out of the players by praising them when they do well - and encouraging them when things don’t go quite as planned.

"When I first came to Scotland I didn’t think I would have to get stronger," he said. "But then I played against the likes of Bobo Balde and Marvin Andrews. After a while of playing against the Old Firm and Livingston, I knew I could match them.

"But even a big guy like me found it difficult to play in a different league but I have to say that is where the manager has helped me a lot. When I was in Holland I was up against big defenders but they weren’t that physical and that is something I had to get used to in the SPL.

"He is someone who instils confidence in players. He is a fair man. He tells you when you’ve done well and if you don’t, he also tells you.

"Since I came to the club he has always done that. It is something I didn’t get from managers in Holland and I am grateful to him. I owe him a lot."

Following his arrival in Gorgie, it didn’t take De Vries long to hear about his boss’ famous altercation with Graeme Hogg, Levein having punched his team-mate during a friendly against Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park. And that is why he would never argue with any criticism fired his way from the man at the top.

"You might say it would take a brave man to have a go at me but I have heard how the gaffer once punched a team-mate so I am not going to argue with him!

"But as well as my game improving over all, I also feel a lot fitter."

The Dutch star smashed 15 goals for the Jambos last season as Hearts secured third spot for the second year running.

His efforts attracted reported interest from a number of clubs, both domestically and abroad, and another impressive season will no doubt trigger more transfer talk.

With just 12 months of his current deal left to run, the former Dordrecht forward knows it is a big year for him.

But he insists he has shrugged off the speculation over his future and would be happy to stay with the Jambos if a new agreement could be thrashed out.

He said: "It is always in the back of your mind that you want to score more goals than the previous season. But if you think about it too much it won’t happen.

"I love playing in Scotland. I have one year left at the club so we will wait and see what happens. If the club was to offer me a suitable contract then I’d seriously think about staying. I have ambitions like everyone else. But I don’t pay attention to all the talk of clubs said to be interested in me. If it’s true it’s true but I don’t worry about it and it would take a good club to take me away from Hearts."

Levein reckons De Vries is looking in as good a shape at this time of the season as he has ever been since coming to Hearts, a fact he reckons means good news for the UEFA Cup hopefuls.

"Mark is looking as sharp as I have seen him at this stage of the season and I think that bodes well for things to come," said Levein.

"Graham Weir, Dennis Wyness and Mark have looked good on the tour and with Ramon (Pereira) here as well there is good competition for places up front."

Taken from the Scotsman