Jambo Hartley hoping Fir more of the same

PAUL KIDDIE

PAUL HARTLEY returns to one of his happy hunting grounds tomorrow determined to help Hearts continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Fir Park holds a number of fond memories for the Gorgie star, none more so than last season’s September encounter when he netted his first goal for the Jambos in a 1-1 draw with Motherwell.

The equalising strike - Derek Adams had earlier put the home side ahead - no doubt went a long way to helping the former Hibs and St Johnstone star feel more settled at his new club following his transfer last summer.

But while there was more than a hint of good fortune surrounding his free-kick on the stroke of half-time which found its way past Gordon Marshall - the keeper got both hands to the ball for what should have been a comfortable save - there has been nothing lucky about the manner in which Hartley has since gone on to prove himself one of the top midfielders in the SPL.

Initially deployed by boss Craig Levein out wide on the right following his switch from McDiarmid Park, the 27-year-old has gone on to establish himself as a major influence in games from the centre of midfield.

His impressive displays throughout the latter half of last season silenced those who may have doubted his ability to cope with the step up in class and even led to calls from certain quarters for inclusion in the Scotland set-up.

Few could argue that on current form, such a promotion would be well deserved.

One of the hallmarks of the midfielder’s contribution to the Jambos’ third-place finish last term was his consistency and that is something he has maintained this term, Hearts reaping the benefits with seven points from a possible nine.

Now, as Levein prepares to take his team to Lanarkshire, Hartley is looking to keep up the good work.

"I scored my first Hearts goal at Fir Park last season," he said. "It came from a free-kick which I think Gordon Marshall made a hash of but it’s always nice to get your first goal for the club.

"I have actually scored a couple there and it’s a ground where I always enjoy playing.

"We’ll be going into the game full of confidence tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get a good result."

With Michael Stewart having recently arrived to add to Levein’s midfield options, Hartley knows there can be no let-up from those currently in possession of the maroon jerseys. Hartley and Patrick Kisnorbo have formed a solid partnership in the centre of the park but with Stewart and Neil MacFarlane itching for their first starts of the season, complacency is not an option.

"I am playing the best football of my career," he said. "But we all know that the competition is fierce - if you are not doing well enough you’ll be out of the team and someone else will get a chance.

"I took a lot of confidence from the second half of last season and think I’ve managed to continue that form.

"I think it’s all because I’m playing regularly in a position which I enjoy.

"I started in the team as a winger but I hadn’t played that role for a couple of years and the gaffer moved me into a more central role which has been good for me."

After breaking his duck against the Steelmen, Hartley went on to notch further goals against both Dundee teams last season. With over 40 appearances now to his credit since jumping at the chance to test himself again in the top flight, that’s a ratio he hopes to see improve in the months ahead.

"I have been making the runs from midfield and it’s all about taking the chances when they come along," he said.

"I’m not one for setting targets but ideally I would like to grab a few more goals this season.

"I’d obviously be delighted to get another one tomorrow but the most important thing for us is to take the points.

"It would be nice to come away with a victory although that isn’t going to be easy as we had four difficult games against Motherwell last season."

Fir Park boss Terry Butcher, who saw his men record a comfortable 3-0 win away to Morton in the CIS Cup in midweek, defied the odds to steer ’Well into the top six last season.

And Hartley knows all about the former English skipper’s credentials as a coach.

"They are a fit, young side and Terry Butcher has done a tremendous job there," he said.

"I know Terry from my time at Raith when he was on the coaching staff and he’s done really well at Fir Park.

"They got a good result in the cup against Morton. My mate (Derek Collins) is the captain there and has given me some info about the match. He said Motherwell looked pretty good, knocked the ball about well and were very fit. They have a good blend of youth and experience and will be difficult to beat on their own ground."

Taken from the Scotsman