Pressley: Key to success is beating non Old Firm sides

BARRY ANDERSON

HEARTS captain Steven Pressley today revealed his belief that the secret to a historic title success for his club lies in them dispensing with the SPL's non-Old Firm sides.

While supporters have been for years craving the day when Hearts would be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Rangers and Celtic, Pressley feels their faring against the nine other clubs in Scotland's top flight to be equally, if not more, important to this season's championship quest.

Expectations have been sent soaring since George Burley assumed the Tynecastle manager's chair and set about toppling the trophy duopoly which exists in Glasgow. The steadfast defensive displays offered by Pressley have been central to Burley's early- season success.

However, focusing for too long on the Old Firm always presents the danger of dismissing other, supposedly less celebrated, opponents.

Speaking prior to leading Hearts out to face Rangers at Tynecastle today, Pressley said: "We've taken care of the clubs outwith the Old Firm and that has been pleasing this season. But it has to continue in that manner.

"For me the most important aspect of our season is taking care of the teams outside the Old Firm. If we are to sustain a challenge to the big two then we must win the other games. Yes, games against Rangers and Celtic are big games but I feel we must maintain our standards against everyone else too.

"Confidence is extremely high in our squad at the moment, even though we have been knocked out of the CIS Cup. I think it would be high in any team who had started the season like us. We are certainly enjoying it.

"For example, I felt last week's game at Inverness was one of vital importance to ourselves. We went into it on the back of a winning run and we didn't want to damage that with the Rangers game looming. We have made a good start but that's all it is.

"The real test is over the 38-game season. The Old Firm have proven time and time again that they are capable of going all the way, and we now have that marathon to try to cope with."

Pressley, as a championship winner during his formative years at Ibrox, is acutely aware of the requirements for bringing outright title success come the end of the season and feels indebted to the club's supporters for their loyalty since Hearts' last trophy capture seven years ago.

He added: "Time and again I've said that our fans have had to endure a lot over the past few years but they have continued to follow the side. They have really turned out in numbers this season and it's been a significant lift for the players turning up to a full house."

Taken from the Scotsman