WEBSTER'S MAKING AN IMPRESSION

Andy Webster hopes he is finally stepping out of the shadow of Steven Pressley, despite admitting the Tynecastle captain has had an enormous impact on his career.

The young Scotland stopper will go into Sunday's Tennent's Scottish Cup quarter-final clash with Livingston without his usual defensive sidekick, with Pressley banned for the tie.

Christophe Berra is likely to partner Webster in the Gorgie rearguard, as John Robertson's outfit look to book their second semi-final slot of the campaign.

The loss of a player such as Pressley would affect most teams - his understanding with Webster has been one of the cornerstones of Hearts' recent domestic success.

However, 22-year-old former Arbroath defender Webster feels he is able to function adequately now without the player who has had such a positive influence on his development.

"Suspension to important players are just one of these things that happen during the course of the season and you just get on with it.

"Christophe has done well so I don't think we have anything to worry about.

"I think people have made a big deal of me playing alongside 'Elvis' but the last five or six games with Scotland I have partnered different centre-backs.

"Hopefully, I am able to adapt and not rely on Elvis all the time.

"Don't get me wrong, he is a big influence but I would like to think I am well equipped to deal with things on my own.

"It benefited me to start with and it is still of benefit to me now but I would like to think I have progressed slightly and am able to play."

Should Berra feature alongside Webster in the heart of the defence against Livingston, it will be Webster's turn to play the role of experienced mentor.

It is something he does not have a problem with, and feels the youngster has enough in his armoury to cope admirably on his own.

"Christophe is a young boy and is gaining first team experience which is vital for his progress.

"If I can help him out then so be it. Hopefully he can learn from me and learn his own style as well.

"Obviously, when you play alongside experienced players, it helps your game."

After the disappointment of losing to Motherwell in the league, manager John Robertson feels his side are determined to atone for that uncharacteristic off-day.

"Just because we had one bad performance does not mean they become bad players. We are disappointed but they have shown in training this week with their attitude and work-rate that they want to make amends.

"Livingston have got this far on merit and they will be a tough nut to crack, we are taking nothing for granted."

Taken from sportinglife.com