Mini Greek tragedy is plus for Lee

PAUL KIDDIE

THE cloud which descended over Hearts star Takis Fyssas in Inverness will have a silver lining for team-mate Lee Wallace.

The Greek defender was forced to hobble out of the Jambos' narrow SPL win over Caley Thistle after injuring his knee in the second half of Saturday's clash at Caledonian Stadium.

The 32-year-old is a definite non-starter for his side's short trip along the M8 to face Livingston in the third round of the CIS Cup this evening and the injury could yet sideline him for the eagerly anticipated Gorgie showdown with Rangers this weekend.

The 32-year-old journeyed home from the Highlands in some discomfort and naturally concerned as to the extent of the injury. Although boss George Burley conceded it is not as bad as first feared, the left-back currently faces a race against time to make Hearts' biggest test of the league season to date.

Of more immediate concern to the manager is tonight's visit to West Lothian, with talented youngster Wallace poised for a return to the starting XI for the first time since the previous round of the same competition when he helped the Tynecastle side defeat Queen's Park 2-0 at Hampden Park.

With Julien Brellier also missing tonight as he bids to recover from the calf knock sustained at the weekend, the introduction of 17-year-old Wallace will be one of a host of changes made by Burley as he attempts to overcome the challenge of the Lions while keeping a watchful eye on his needs for the meeting with Rangers.

The teenager is likely to slot in at left-back, where he made such a big impression during the latter half of last season under former boss John Robertson, although Burley has utilised him as a substitute in a more advanced role on the left-hand side of midfield on a number of occasions during the Jambos' storming start to the current campaign. Either way, Wallace will be more than happy to see his name in the starting line-up, having revelled in his promotion to the big stage just seven months ago. He went on to miss just one of Hearts' final 18 matches after making his debut at home to Kilmarnock in the fourth round of the Tennent's Scottish Cup in February.

"I had a good run in the first team last season but all the new signings have meant I've just had to keep my head down and work hard enough to stay in the squad," said the youngster, who played the last ten minutes of the Jambos' recent 4-1 league victory over tonight's hosts at Almondvale.

"I have been used as a substitute in midfield in some games this season and that's been enjoyable. I had been playing left midfield until I came into the Under-17s with Hearts and was pushed back into defence.

"I like the midfield role as I like going forward and trying to get a goal but I'll play anywhere for the boss if it means me getting a game."

Far from being despondent at falling down the pecking order as former Panathinaikos and Benfica star Fyssas walked straight into the team - Jamie McAllister, right, was another who was forced to cool his heels on the sidelines in the wake of the Greek's arrival - Wallace is happy to continue his steep Gorgie learning curve.

And instead of being ignored by his more illustrious team-mate, Wallace has found Fyssas only too willing to impart advice on the training ground and the pupil is keen to keep learning from the master.

"A lot of new faces have come in and they are all top quality players," said the defender, who is just a matter of months into a new three-year deal which he signed in the summer.

"Takis has come into my position and there is no doubt he is a world-class player having won the European Championships with Greece.

"Jamie McAllister has also been doing well this season so I can only keep doing my bit in training and hope to get a chance at some stage.

"Takis is a really nice person and has been helping me ever since he came to the club. He's always been there with advice, telling me what to be aware of and what's expected of me.

"It's really encouraging that he is prepared to do that and it says a lot for him considering what he has achieved in his career so far. I am in the first year of my three-year deal with the club and want to keep learning, working hard and taking on board everything the manager tells me.

"By doing so I can hopefully progress and play well and stay involved in the first team."

In keeping with the rest of his team-mates, the young Gorgie star has noticed marked improvement in the training methods since the arrival of former Ipswich Town and Derby County boss Burley.

And that, he reckons, can only help his game as well.

"I notice the difference in training, which is at a higher tempo now compared to what we had been used to," he said.

"The gaffer always wants us alert and on our toes so the sessions have really gone up a couple of notches, which is great for someone at this stage of my career."

Burley has admitted his priority is to maintain his side's league challenge but the players will presumably be relishing the different kind of pressure which accompanies cup ties as they prepare to enter the Lions den for the second time in the space of a ten days.

"It's one-off match and we know anything can happen in these games," said Wallace.

"We'll have to make sure we remain focused and keep trying to do the things which have served us so well in the league. Livingston may not be doing so well in the league just now but they will be wanting to make amends for the result we got the last time we played against them recently.

"Whoever is involved against Livingston will know what they have to do and our objective is to make sure our name is in the hat for the next round. If I am involved all I can do is try my best and hope to stay in the picture for the game against Rangers. Obviously, if Takis is fit, he'll come back into the team but Old Firm games at Tynecastle are huge occasions and it would be great to be involved, even from the bench."

Taken from the Scotsman