BURLEY TAKES THE SIMPLE ROUTE

Hearts manager George Burley insists simplicity has been the key to moulding so many different nationalities into a table-topping side this season.

Since arriving at Tynecastle in the summer, the former Derby and Ipswich boss has signed three Czechs, a Lithuanian, a Frenchman, a Greek and an Englishman.

Brazilian midfielder Samuel Almeida Camazzola and Senegalese defender Ibrahim Tall will also be in the squad for the Bank of Scotland Premier League trip to Livingston.

The Jambos will defend the 100% record which has taken them to the top of the SPL at Almondvale.

Now the Tynecastle manager is determined to keep things as simple as possible to maintain that position.

Burley said: "It is a big challenge for a manager when you have many nationalities in your squad and, thankfully, so far it has gone very well.

"There is no one answer to how we have gelled them together. I am very fortunate to have players with ability and who are tremendous characters.

"You go out on the training ground and try to put your ideas across.

"You try to make it enjoyable for them and try to get the best system for them to play.

"But, the more you complicate things, the more difficult it becomes.

"Football is a simple game, you pass to each other and, if you score more goals than the opposition, you win. Simple as that.

"But we have only played five league games, so it is still very early days yet."

Burley admits the recent break for World Cup qualifiers upset the rhythm of his club routine.

But he has warned new recruits, Camazzola and Tall, they will have to earn the right to be selected for a debut at Almondvale.

Burley said: "We had 11 players away for 12 days all over Europe, so it was not an ideal situation from a club point of view.

"Preparation is always important for games, but what can you do if you have no players?

"We had four or five first-team squad members ticking over and working with the young kids.

"But you have just got to keep your fingers crossed the international players all come back healthy, not too fatigued and ready for the next game.

"The two new players will be in the squad and we will look at the situation, but they have got to earn the right to get into the team.

"We have done very well so far and I'm very pleased with the players.

"We will look at things on the training ground and then plan ahead for the Livingston game."

Taken from sportinglife.com