I'll keep my stars

GEORGE BURLEY today handed the Hearts support the news they have been craving all summer - Paul Hartley and Andy Webster are staying at Tynecastle.

Burley has confronted both his Scotland internationalists regarding their futures and been assured that they will be playing in maroon shirts next season despite incessant speculation linking them with moves to the Old Firm.

"Paul and Andy will be at Heart of Midlothian next season, I can assure you of that," said Burley. "I have spoken to both the boys and I am very encouraged by the response I have had.

"They are definitely here for the coming campaign and are very much part of my plans for this club."

Celtic were thought to have maintained their interest in Hartley since having a £1million move for the midfielder rejected by Hearts in January, whilst Webster is said to be interesting Rangers. However Burley's statement will quash any intent of those in Glasgow as well as delighting the fans in the east.

"We are trying to strengthen this squad, not weaken it. That's why we are working on trying to get some more trialists in, and the one we have at the moment, Maciej Murawski, has done very well."

Murawski's short spell in Edinburgh ends on Friday as Hearts prepare to fly to Dublin for their pre-season tour, but Burley has been impressed with the capabilities of a player who operates best in a holding midfield role - the sort that would complement Hartley's attacking instincts perfectly.

"Murawski has trained well," continued Burley. "If you look at his CV, he is a Polish international who has played at the top level. He has good experience and is a sitting midfield player. I think he has played centre-back before but he is mostly a sitting midfielder.

"He will be here until Friday and then leave us to assess the situation. You aren't allowed to play trialists in friendly games, unfortunately, so there would be no point in us taking him to Dublin.

"We will have a look at things and see what happens when we come back from Ireland.

"Obviously we have our squad to supplement and we will look at other players too. There are no more trialists on the way at the moment but I am working on that side of things."

Taken from the Scotsman