Friendship with ancient Greek Craig is history

PAUL KIDDIE

COMFORTABLY ensconced in their favourite cafes in Athens, Takis Fyssas and Craig Brewster used to spend hours chatting about life in the Greek capital.

The former Dundee United striker had forged a reputation as a forward of some renown as he re-wrote the record books during five goal-laden years with Ionikos, the forward only ending his Mediterranean odyssey when Hibs tempted him back to Scotland in the summer of 2001.

As a defender with Panathinaikos at the time, Hearts star Fyssas used to enjoy mighty tussles with the player he regards as one of the best strikers ever to grace the turf of his homeland.

The Tynecastle left-back joined Greek giants Panathinaikos in 1998 and, as adversaries for three years, the pair got to know each other well.

Tomorrow the pair will put their friendship to one side as they renew their rivalry in the Highlands as Brewster leads his Inverness Caley Thistle side into battle against the Jambos, the home side attempting to achieve what no other team in the top flight has done this season so far and take some points off George Burley's in-form side.

"We played a lot of times against each other in Greece," he said. "Before I knew him I admired him as he was a very tough striker who played with a lot of passion.

"He scored a lot of goals for Ionikos, has a very good name in Greece and I would say in my opinion he is the best striker in the history of that club."

Nobody who knows Brewster would argue with Fyssas' assessment that the Inverness player-manager is one of the game's true gentlemen but that won't stop the 32-year-old left-back making life as difficult as possible for the hosts' boss when the action starts tomorrow.

They'll no doubt exchange pleasantries prior to kick-off but with the serious business of SPL points at stake, Fyssas knows there will be room for sentiment as he tries to help his team-mates chalk up a seventh straight victory in the league.

"We got to know each other quite well when we were playing in Greece and he is a very good person with a great personality," said the Gorgie defender.

"We used to have coffees together and talk about things and I am very happy for him that he is doing so well.

"If I remember correctly he scored a few goals against Panathinaikos and I wasn't too happy about that. I will be doing my best to ensure he doesn't do the same again when Hearts face Inverness tomorrow.

"I want to wish him the very best of luck in his managerial career - but certainly not tomorrow afternoon."

Unearthed by major share-holder Vladimir Romanov's scouting network, Fyssas arrived as arguably the Gorgie club's biggest transfer coup, with Euro2004 champion proudly etched onto his CV.

The experienced defender, who was snapped up on a two-year deal from Benfica, was an ever-present as Greece stunned the football world last summer. However, despite interest from the English Premiership, Holland, Russia and Spain, he opted for the fresh challenge of the SPL.

With the ink barely dry on his contract, he was plunged into the first-team fray by Burley for his debut against Dundee United at Tannadice and helped the visitors keep a clean sheet in a 3-0 triumph.

He has slotted into the Jambos rearguard with ease and has looked a real quality performer as the Tynecastle side have stormed five points clear at the top of the table.

Thoroughly enjoying life in maroon, he has warned Hearts' rivals that the league leaders are in no mood to let their bubble burst.

"Everything is going okay at the moment and we are sitting in first place, which is great," he said.

"I know, though, that everybody is waiting for us to lose a game and get a bad result. Football is like that - our fans are wanting us to keep winning while others want us to lose.

"We will be doing our best to ensure that doesn't happen.

"This team has a big mentality and a great attitude. We have good players and an excellent coach as well as a president (Mr Romanov) who loves the team and wants to do the best for his players.

"We have done well and probably better than most people expected but I don't see any reason why we should stop.

"Having said that, I am not thinking any further ahead than Inverness tomorrow. After that, then we will turn our focus on the Rangers game."

Fyssas has been impressed by the standard of competition in the SPL and feels privileged to be part of the Romanov revolution which is threatening to break the Old Firm stranglehold on the game north of the Border.

He refused to be drawn on whether Hearts can sustain their impressive challenge to the Glasgow giants in the months ahead but said: "Every team I have been with I have aimed for the championship but we will have to wait and see what happens.

"Last summer in the European Championships Greece showed that, if you try hard and believe, then you can be successful. We have had an excellent start to the season in winning our first six games but we must try to keep building on that now.

"I think I have come here at a very good time in Scottish football. There are a lot of teams playing well - not just Celtic and Rangers - and there will be very good competition in this league this season so I feel lucky to be here."

Brewster is looking forward to catching up with his pal after tomorrow's match and hopes to be boasting about a memorable victory. The home side are looking to bounce back after last weekend's disappointing defeat to Motherwell and their boss said: "Takis is a nice guy and anyone who has a European Championship winner's medal has to be respected. He has done well for himself and is a decent guy into the bargain.

"Hearts are flying at the moment and are strong in every department. We will have to be at our very best to take something from the game.

"It's nice to see the likes of their Scottish guys Craig Gordon, Paul Hartley, Steven Pressley and Andy Webster all in the national team at the moment - whether it's as nice to play against them remains to be seen!"

Taken from the Scotsman