CAN HEARTS STAY TOP?

Aug 16 2005

YES Says ex-Gers hero Frank de Boer NO Says Former Lisbon Lion Jim Craig

By Hugh Keevins

IT'S the question that's dominating Scottish football - can Hearts stay top of the pile and become the first side for 20 years to smash the Old Firm's domination of the title?

Jim Craig and Frank de Boer played on opposite sides of the Glasgow divide and - not surprisingly - they don't see eye to eye over the Jambos.

Former Celtic defender Craig believes Hearts can rewrite history and make George Burley the first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen to deny the Old Firm their slice of glory.

But ex-Rangers hero de Boer is equally convinced the Edinburgh outfit are a flash in the pan and their early-season march to the top of the SPL will be followed by a stumbling finish to the title race.

In fact, the Dutchman wrote off Hearts as no-hopers even though they are the only side in the top flight not to have dropped a point so far.

Hearts yesterday announced every seat inside Tynecastle has already been sold out for Aberdeen's visit on Saturday as the Gorgie feelgood factor goes into overdrive.

They're two points clear of Celtic at the top and Lisbon Lion Craig believes it's not outwith the bounds of possibility theycould still bethere at the end of the season.'

He said: "Hearts can certainly play a bit. They've spent a fair amount of money on new players who are a cut above the usual lower standard from the continent.

"They also have an inspirational manager in Burley. He's not vastly experienced in terms of winning titles but he's built a side who don't look fazed by anything and seem capable of surprising a lot of people."

But de Boer reckons Hearts have no chance of travelling the length of Princes Street in an open-topped bus to celebrate their first title win for 45 years.

He said: "I've been following the Scottish season very closely while I've been back in Holland on a break from my club in Qatar and it's been very interesting.

"Rangers' result against Aberdeen at Pittodrie was a bit of a setback but nothing more than that. The Ibrox fans have nothing to worry about. I expect Rangers to bounce back very strongly in their next match - which is against Celtic, of course.

"Celtic have made an inconsistent start as well and this is what has given Hearts and their fans some hope where the title is concerned.

"But the problem for them will be sustaining their challenge. Rangers and Celtic have such strong squads they can always maintain a high level of performance.

"If they suffer injury problems, they always have someone in reserve who is just as talented as the player who has dropped out"A smaller club such as Hearts don't have that luxury. Oncethey get a few injuries Hearts will not be able to maintain the high standards they have set for themselves in the early part of this season.

"I expect to see them dropping down the table rather than holding on to the top spot.

"They'll only be able to keep up their current form for so long and when the injuries and suspensions inevitably come along, they'll have no hope."

It's just as well de Boer isn't looking for a complimentary ticket for Saturday's game at Tynecastle. After that stinging assessment of Hearts' prospects, his chances must be zero.

But the Dutchman, with the plain speaking for which he and his fellow-countrymen have become renowned, believes he can back up his comments with statistical evidence gathered in Holland.

He said: "AZ Alkmaar started last season superbly well and people started to talk about them as potential title winners.

"But they ran out of legs as the season wore on and only got eight points from their last 12 games. They ended up finishing third behind Ajax.

"To stay on the level Hearts are enjoying at present is very difficult. They might be able to keep it up for a while but they will soon fade away, just like Alkmaar did."

And de Boer won't even buy into the possibility that Burley's side can split the Old Firm and deny one of them access to the Champions League qualifiers by finishing in second place.

He said: "They'll come in no higher than third place. Hearts will drop points eventually and it will be left to Rangers and Celtic to fight it out as usual. It's too early to say which one ofthem will win the championship but I hope it's Rangers."

De Boer won't be rushed into a championship prediction but insists without doubt Hearts are not in the hunt for the title Craig would like to think the Dutchman is wrong on both counts when he hopes for a Rangers win and forecasts a Hearts collapse.

The former Celt said: "I'd like to see the Old Firm get a challenge from Hearts because Scottish football could do with a boost like that. Celtic and Rangers not being guaranteed a win every time they play is really good for the game and the fans.

"It's been a two-horse race for too long but the critics forget the English title has been won by only a select few over the past 15 years.

"But outside of the Old Firm you have to go back to the 80s to find Aberdeen and Dundee United as title winners and there's no denying that isn't good for our reputation.

"That's why I hope Hearts can provide a good challenge

Taken from the Daily Record