Make my Murrayfield strike count - Webster

PAUL KIDDIE IN BRAGA

ANDY WEBSTER made history by scoring the first-ever goal at Murrayfield in Hearts’ 3-1 win over Braga two weeks ago - but the defender insists the strike won’t mean much to him unless the Jambos can successfully complete their UEFA Cup mission in Portugal tonight.

The former Arbroath stopper opened the scoring at the home of Scottish rugby before Paul Hartley’s stunning volley sent the fans wild with delight just after the hour mark.

Although their celebrations were short-lived with Paulo Sergio heading a vital away goal just moments later as the backline was uncharacteristically caught napping, Patrick Kisnorbo’s dramatic last-minute counter ensured Hearts will kick-off at the impressive Estadio Municipal with a two-goal cushion to defend with a place in the new lucrative group stages at stake.

While happy enough to have secured his own little niche in Jambos history with his near-post header, Webster’s focus will be very much at the other end of the pitch tonight with the rearguard destined for a hectic 90 minutes as they attempt to secure an estimated £2million jackpot through qualification.

"I suppose the goal against Braga was special with it being the first one scored at Murrayfield," said Webster. "But my first goal for Hearts against Dundee at Dens Park was also a special occasion as my family was there to watch me do it.

"It was great to score in the European tie but it will really only be important if we manage to get through to the next round.

"We have got to keep things tight at the back over there and while it was nice to score at Murrayfield, this game for me is all about keeping them out at the other end."

Hearts’ chances of progressing haven’t been helped by the foot injury sustained by Mark de Vries, the Dutchman’s handicap a real blow to the Jambos’ bid to snatch a vital away goal and put the match out of the hosts’ reach.

However, Webster insists it is important the team demonstrates it can cope without the influential target man should De Vries fail to make it.

"I think it is important to show that we are not a one-man band if Mark doesn’t make the match," he said.

"We have done so in the past when he hasn’t played and there is always the added incentive for others to come in and grab their big chance. It goes without saying that we would like to have Mark in the team but if it’s not to be, then it’s not to be.

"Other teams have coped without their important players and that is what we will do if need be.

"There isn’t anything we can do to alter the situation so we’ll just get on with the job of getting into the next round."

Local estimates suggest there could be up to 30,000 fans inside the Estadio Municipal to roar on Jesualdo Ferreira’s side this evening, a prospect which leaves Webster unmoved.

Having starred for Scotland against Germany in front of a capacity Hampden Park last season as well as turning out regularly at Parkhead and Ibrox since his move from Arbroath in March 2001, the 22-year-old is inspired by the big occasions.

"It looks a nice new stadium and was used in the Euro 2004 Championships in the summer so it should be good to play there," he said.

"As far as the crowd goes, the more the merrier as far as I am concerned. Most of us have played a few times at Parkhead and Ibrox now so won’t be intimidated by the atmosphere tonight.

"We certainly won’t be fazed by it and there is enough experience in our side to cope with things like that.

"If anything, it will spur us on rather than give us stage fright."

Taken from the Scotsman