Burley calls for reality check

After just two games, some have identified Hearts as potential title challengers and many outwith Tynecastle have been awestruck. In defeating Kilmarnock 4-2, then Hibernian 4-0, George Burley’s side have performed with a glinting potential. Fast, powerful, fearless, intrepid, there is a suggestion of something profound forming. Promise, though, can be an elusive concept. This season still has soft outlines, it has yet to harden to a firm reality. And so it is too early to judge just how far Hearts can reach.

There is much to admire at Tynecastle, from the proven influence of Burley to talented players such as Edgaras Jankauskas, Rudi Skacel, Roman Bednar and Takis Fyssas, the Greek international who signed last week from Benfica. They will augment a Hearts side that already boasted Saulius Mikoliunas and Scottish internationals Paul Hartley, Steven Pressley, Andy Webster and Craig Gordon, but there is more to building a team than simply signing good players. It takes time to forge relationships, to understand the subtleties of those around you, and only in times of stress do you discover how tightly players are bound together.

“When you win 4-0 against anybody you get hyped up, but that’s something we’ve got to deal with,” agrees Burley. “It’s great for people to be excited, but you’ve got to have a bit of reality. Considering the team’s not formed, and a lot of them are not fully fit yet, it’s surprised us the way we’ve started. I’ve been pleased by the comments about our style of play. But we’ll see how it goes along the way, because when you’re forming a team very quickly, when you’re pushing players in, it can backfire.”

It is natural for Burley to dampen extravagance with his measured words. He carries himself with the polished sheen of a man who believes in what he is doing and that there is something hidden behind his reservations, but he understands, too, that the future is fluid, hopeful rather than certain. He intends to sign two more players, one a right-back, but still Hearts’ squad won’t enjoy the depths of those at Rangers and Celtic. And the Old Firm are already the measures by which he will be judged.

It is 10 years since a team last split the Glasgow rivals at the top of the league, when Motherwell finished second to Rangers, and although that dominance should not be assumed to continue, there are compelling reasons why it can be self-fulfilling. Resources apart, both Rangers and Celtic exist within narrow expectations, their followers demand that every domestic game is won. That brings a mental pressure that only players with strong characters can handle. Hearts have signed internationalists, and players from outwith Scotland who will not naturally be cowed by the Old Firm, but still they do not face the same pressures as their counterparts in Glasgow. It takes time for such expectations to exert themselves.

“It’s very difficult to bring in a player who’s used to winning games every week,” Burley says, a grin spreading across his face. “But we’re working with players to have a very positive attitude and if they think they’re going to win games, you’ve got a chance. Whether it’s Rangers or Celtic, there won’t be any fear, we’ll try to win. But it’s no good beating Rangers and Celtic then losing your next game. It ’s all about consistency and that’s what we’ve got to try to do.”

So how might Hearts measure up? If it is still too early to say with any certainty, it is noticeable that man for man they are still weaker in many positions than Rangers and Celtic. But that is not to run them down. Financed by Vladimir Romanov, it is refreshing that a Scottish team can not only sign players of pedigree, but also that the

Old Firm’s transfer approaches can be rebuffed. Burley is right to stress that “finishing third and qualifying for Europe” are his goals, for it will take time to make greater strides.

He is right to be cautious. A team consistently strong enough to challenge Rangers and Celtic would be welcome, and overdue, but we must not rush to bear down a team with our expectations.

Taken from timesonline.co.uk