Webster itching to kick Hearts back into Europe

IT'S only been two weeks since Andy Webster last kicked a ball in anger but already the Hearts defender is willing the season to start.

While most of his team-mates began their summer holidays after the final SPL game of the season against Aberdeen at the end of May, Webster and his fellow international colleagues had the little matter of crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Belarus and Moldova to attend to.

The former Arbroath centre-half featured in each to bring his games played in the 2004/05 season to an incredible 58.

Only after the Scots had gleaned three points at Hampden and battled out a point in Minsk could the 23-year-old relax and begin to reflect on a season that saw him work under three managers at club level, two at international level and all against a backdrop of general upheaval at Tynecastle.

The Jambos return for pre-season training at the end of this month but already Webster is desperate to get the new campaign underway and take Hearts back to where he feels they belong - third place in the SPL.

"It's part and parcel of being an international getting less holidays and I'd rather be playing in these games than not," said the 14-times capped defender. "Pre-season starts soon although to be honest I don't know how much fitness you can lose in the length of time myself and the other boys on international duty have had off!

"I'm sure all players would rather play these games than not even if it does mean a few days less holiday. I'm young enough that it doesn't affect me too much although give it a couple of years and I suppose it may. But I'm looking forward to the games rolling round again although I wouldn't say I'm looking forward to the pre-season so much - that's a bit of a pain."

And while some players bemoan the amount of games modern day professionals are asked to play, Webster believes his hectic schedule last season has actually helped him develop into a better player.

"I played 58 games in total last season and that's a long season. For three or four months I was playing every weekend and every midweek. But the extra games were in Europe and playing internationals so you don't mind because these are the games when you play against top players and learn the most. I'm happy to do anything I can that makes me a better player and while it is nice to be off at the moment, particularly as it means I can spend a bit more time with my wee boy, it will be nice to get back too."

When the new campaign does finally kick-off Webster is in no doubt about what his side should be looking to achieve.

"Third place is the objective without a doubt," he revealed. "Last season was disappointing. We set high standards at the club and I think we fell below that. I think we need to be consistent and try and get back into Europe again.

"We've had Europe the last two years in a row and it's been a great experience. As a player it's where you want to be. At Murrayfield against Schalke there were 27,000 fans and then we beat Basle away as well. These are the nights you want to be involved in."

Taken from the Scotsman