BERRA HAS THE HEART TO SPLIT DUO

Scotland Under-21 defender Christophe Berra admits splitting up the partnership of Andy Webster and Steven Pressley for club and country will be one of the hardest jobs in Scottish football.

The 20-year-old made his debut for Hearts in November 2003, but has only made a handful of appearances since then - mainly through injury and suspension to the Scotland and Tynecastle pair.

But Berra is ready to continue playing the waiting game in a bid to further his career.

He said: "I have probably got one of the hardest jobs with Elvis and Webby in front of me - they must be two of the best centre-backs in Scotland at the moment.

"I'm not big-headed, but I know I'm a good player. However, at Hearts, I have two Scottish internationals ahead of me.

"Even if I played well when one of them was injured, I still wouldn't be in the team because they will always be brought back when fit again.

"When you come away with the Scotland Under-21 squad, you're playing with boys who are regulars in their first team, whereas I am not. But I have got to keep my head up.

"But friends tell me learning from these guys in training is only going to be good for my future, because they make me raise my own standards.

"I'm the back-up centre-half unless we sign somebody, so, hopefully, it bodes well for me.

"Our first team are doing really well and the gaffer, George Burley, has brought some good players in and so it's difficult for all the young boys.

"But he has already told us he rates us and will give us a chance, so we just have to bide our time."

Scotland Under-21 coach Rainer Bonhof has drafted teenage Kilmarnock striker Steven Naismith into his squad as cover for Shaun Maloney.

The Celtic forward suffered a back injury in a training ground collision with Bobo Balde and will miss the European Championship qualifier against Italy on Friday.

However, Bonhof has not ruled the Celtic forward out of the game against Norway next Tuesday.

Killie general manager David Mackinnon said: "Given Steven's recent form, I was surprised he wasn't in the original squad, but he is exactly the 100%-effort player that Scotland need at this time.

"And I fully expect him to play a part in Friday's game against the Italians. We are absolutely delighted."

New Dunfermline signing Jamie McCunnie has also been brought in as cover for injured Motherwell defender William Kinniburgh.

Motherwell midfielder Paul Quinn has also been withdrawn from the Under-21 squad due to injury.

But Fir Park goalkeeper Graeme Smith has been called up by Bonhof for the games against Italy and Norway.

Taken from sportinglife.com