ROBBO: I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE FORM BOOK

Dec 31 2004

By Gary Ralston

HEARTS boss John Robertson will never accept his club being tagged underdogs.

Robertson admits he'll be unable to stamp his authority on his new club until next season.

But there's no way his side are heading into Sunday's Edinburgh derby at Easter Road with an inferiority complex.

He spoke out as chief executive Chris Robinson fought to see off Dundee United in a bid to land Plymouth striker Stevie Crawford.

The Scotland star should seal his return to the Scottish game within 24 hours, with Tynecastle the favoured destination.

Hibs have won five of their last six games and are favourites to triumph on Sunday.

But Robertson said: 'Hearts have never been underdogs and that's the way I always treated these games. It's all about what happens in 90 minutes and I've no worries about that.

'Hibs are third in the league, on a terrific run and scoring goals while our form of late has been patchy. However, it's a big game and we've got big-game players.'

Robertson says he and assistant Donald Park need time to put their ideas in place after taking over from Craig Levein last month.

He added:'It won't be until after the summer we'll be able to imprint our brand of football and the way we like to see the game played, but the team are fine.'

Jambos defender Andy Webster has been linked with a move to Southampton and Plymouth are still interested in Mark de Vries, while Levein, now at Leicester, has long been an admirer of full-back Alan Maybury.

Robertson refused to discuss transfer issues ahead of the game but said: 'I guarantee no one will be leaving this club before the derby.'

Even if Hearts sign Crawford tomorrow, the SPL offices are closed and he would be unable to register in time to face his old club.

But Hearts face competition from Dundee United and it's understood Tannadice chairman Eddie Thompson has agreed to Plymouth's £100,000 valuation.

Hearts are also willing to fork out, though Plymouth boss Bobby Williamson is also keen on de Vries and he could be used as leverage.

Aberdeen and Dunfermline are also keen but reluctant to pay a fee.

Meanwhile, Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart is out for three weeks with a groin injury and Patrick Kisnorbo is suspended for the Hibs game.