McGlynn confident that Paul Hartley will stay

INTERIM Hearts boss John McGlynn revealed today he is confident midfielder Paul Hartley will extend his stay at Tynecastle.

The Scotland internationalist, whose current deal runs out at the end of next season, knocked back the offer of a one-year extension last week.

The deal which would have seen him tied to the club until at least the end of the 2006/07 season would have netted Hartley a significant pay-rise and made him one of the club’s top earners.

However, the former Hibs and St Johnstone playmaker is biding his time until the uncertainty over who will be managing the club next season is resolved.

And that could be within the next few days with former Perugia, Parma, Borussia Dortmund, Besiktas, Shaktar Donetsk and Spartak Moscow boss Nevio Scala now the clear front-runner to take over the Gorgie hot-seat.

Although the club have stopped short of admitting he has been offered the position, Hearts chief executive Phil Anderton and Scala himself have talked positively over the discussions they have held.

Hartley was a key performer for the Jambos last term, netting 15 goals as his side battled in vain for a third successive third place finish in the SPL.

His displays brought him to the attention of national boss Walter Smith and then Celtic manager Martin O’Neill. He has now won two caps but Celtic’s advances were rejected in January as they failed to meet the Gorgie club’s £1million valuation of the player. However, it is believed Hartley remains on their wanted list.

McGlynn meanwhile, remains confident Hartley can be persuaded to pen a new contract.

Said McGlynn: "He is one of the best players at the club and we want to get him tied down. Yes, he has said no to a contract just now but there is plenty of time for him to say yes. He still has a year to go on his current deal and when the manager situation is sorted out I’m sure Paul will want to stay.

"At the moment I think it’s understandable that he is waiting to see what happens as he probably wants to see the ambition of the club. But, when a new manager does come in, and he adds a few quality signings to the team, I’m sure Paul will want to stay."

If Scala was to take charge of Vladimir Romanov’s Tynecastle revolution it would be a clear statement of intent from the board and would enhance the chances of hanging on to Hartley.

The Italian manager has again re-iterated his interest in filling the position vacated by John Robertson. "I am impressed, definitely," he said. "Phil Anderton told me everything and gave me the plans for the future. It is very interesting. I will have a decision by the end of the week."

Anderton added: "We wouldn't be meeting with someone of that kind of ability just to have a chat. If he wanted to join the club and the terms were right he would be a leading candidate."

Taken from the Scotsman