European tie a baptism of fire for Robertson

STUART BATHGATE
CHIEF SPORTS WRITER

THERE are gentler introductions than the one which awaits John Robertson tonight. Rather than getting his feet under the table at some humdrum SPL fixture, the new Hearts coach is taking on a crack Bundesliga outfit in a crucial UEFA Cup match.

Schalke 04 have won their last five league games, including one in the Olympic Stadium against Bayern Munich. Their indifferent start to the season is now long forgotten, and Ailton, their erratic Brazilian, is now back in top form. Coach Ralf Rangnick, who was with Stuttgart when they took on Hearts in the same competition four years ago, believes that the way they are playing at present they would be a match for anyone.

What is more, this match against formidable opponents is close to being a must-win for Hearts if they are to qualify from the group stage of the competition. Following their defeat by Feyenoord, a draw would give them a possible total of seven points from the group, but to achieve that they would need to defeat Basel away as well as beating Ferencvaros at home. If they beat Schalke they will then have the luxury of settling for a draw in Switzerland before going all-out for victory in the final game against the Hungarians.

And of course, just to make the task that bit more difficult for Hearts, they have spent the past week in limbo, as Craig Levein departed for Leicester City and the club’s board began negotiations to bring Robertson back to Tynecastle. No matter how professional the players may be, such circumstances are undeniably less than ideal preparation for such a crunch game.

"It’s obviously been a turbulent week, but I think we’ve remained on the job in hand," said Steven Pressley, the club captain, yesterday. "Training this week has been really high tempo, and we’re desperately looking forward to the game."

John McGlynn, an assistant coach, has taken charge of training since the departure of Levein and his assistant coach, Peter Houston. He did so again yesterday, with Robertson largely restricting his own role to looking on. "John McGlynn has handled it superbly," Pressley added. "I certainly hope we get the right result, because it will be a great tribute to him. John Robertson understands the influence he can have on this game is minimal."

Robertson decided not to interfere with McGlynn’s timetable, which yesterday called for a video analysis session of Schalke’s strengths and weaknesses. McGlynn will select the team for tonight and decide on the basic tactics, though he and Robertson have discussed variations to be introduced in certain eventualities.

At least Hearts are almost at full strength. Phil Stamp is "more or less out" according to McGlynn, but apart from the English midfielder the rest of the first-team squad is available for selection.

That includes Mark de Vries, who missed the Feyenoord match because of a poisoned toe, the latest in a succession of injuries. The Dutch striker is certainly well short of true match fitness, and it is extremely unlikely he will last the 90 minutes. Simply having him in the squad, however, will help morale, according to McGlynn.

"Mark is available for selection, but we have a decision to make whether to start him or bring him on later in the game. He’s not up to full speed. It’s a big boost to have him back, though. Even a well-organised defence like Schalke’s will find it difficult to handle him."

The presence of Robertson will certainly enthuse the crowd, which could go over the 25,000 mark. That enthusiasm will then in turn lift the players, who hope their traditional virtues of hard work and competitiveness can overcome Schalke’s undoubted ability.

"No doubt they are a quality side," Pressley reasoned. "But if we concentrate on the things we’re good at, then any side coming to Edinburgh will find it difficult. I think if you’re a bit more route one and aggressive in your play, the traditional British way, continental teams don’t like that."

McGlynn will spring few if any selection surprises. The goalkeeper and the back four select themselves, while Paul Hartley, Patrick Kisnorbo, Joe Hamill and Jamie McAllister will be the midfield quartet should McGlynn opt for 4-4-2.

Up front, Ramon Pereira seems a certain starter after impressing in last Saturday’s 3-0 win against Dundee. If De Vries is used as an impact substitute, Kevin McKenna will start alongside Pereira.

With Graham Weir and Dennis Wyness likely to start on the bench, Hearts at least have a lot of options up front. Those two came on against Dundee, as did the midfielder Neil Janczyk, but if they find themselves protecting a narrow lead tonight Hearts will look to shore up the midfield, which could mean a cameo role for the underachieving Michael Stewart.

Even by virtue of having reached the inaugural group stages of the UEFA Cup, Hearts have guaranteed themselves the experience in a single season which many of their predecessors in maroon and white did not accumulate in their whole careers. Six matches in Europe - the four in Group A plus the two legs against Braga - should constitute an invaluable part of the team’s growth.

But they are not content merely to be there. They believe, especially if Feyenoord prove to be a class apart in the group, they can still do enough to finish in the top three and go through to the last 32. Victory would be one of Hearts’ best European results, but Pressley said the squad would take no pleasure from it if it did not prove a springboard to better things.

"Realistically, if we are to progress it’s a must-win. But if we do win, it will only be a good result if we go on to qualify for the next round."

A win, however, would also be remembered as the brightest of starts to Robertson’s new life at Hearts.

Taken from the Scotsman