PAUL IS NO LOST BHOY

JOHN ROBERTSON knows that in his heart of hearts Paul Hartley wanted to become a Celtic player in January.

But the midfielder's reaction to being told by his paymasters that they were blocking a move to his boyhood heroes has convinced the former Hearts manager that Hartley will one day join him in Tynecastle's elite league of legends.

Robbo's place in the club's folklore is secure. His goals saw to that and his short spell as manager merely cemented the affection in which he is held in the hearts and minds of the Gorgie faithful.

It was during that spell in the tracksuit that he got to know Hartley, not just the player but the man behind the beard, so when he tells you that this guy can go on to be a Hearts great, he does so from a position of authority.

Robertson, now managing Ross County, believes Hartley will be instrumental in Britain's match of the day tomorrow when the Jambos arrive at Parkhead intent on staying on their perch at the top of the SPL.

He insists that the Scotland international has put the heartache of being denied his move - it crashed because Celtic offered no more than a paltry £300,000 - behind him and will be totally focused on keeping Celtic in second place.

Robbo said: "I don't think he gives the Celtic situation a second thought now but I know it was tough for him at the time.

"We were honest with Paul all along. We told him the decision had been taken at boardroom level and it was out of our hands.

"His head was a wee bit mixed up but we told him he had to concentrate. Right after the deadline had passed without him moving to Celtic,we told him we felt he should go straight back into the team.

"He was nervous but I told him he'd have no problems with the Hearts fans and, if anything, the support have taken to him even more strongly since that time.

"Paul appreciates that and he will get on with it. He's not the type to throw the dollies out of the pram because he didn't get his move.

"We didn't play him against Aberdeen the Saturday before the deadline because his head was so mixed up.We had a chat and he said he thought it had all affected him and it might be to the detriment of the team if he played.

"But we had no hesitation in bringing him back for the next game against Motherwell and the ovation he got from the Hearts fans settled him right back down again.

"Paul will go on to be one of Hearts' greats. He is getting better and better. I'm delighted for him. He was a pleasure to work with.

"I spoke to him about getting forward and doing different things for the team. Unfortunately, last year he was having to go and fetch the ball off the back four and then get in the box.

"But this year he has got quality players who can get the ball and it lets him get forward all the time"He'soneofthoseplayersyouare delighted to see do well. He deserves everything he gets - he works hard in training and gives you everything in games.

"Every player should use him as a role model as to what they can put in during a game."

Robbo will be at Love Street for Ross County's top-of-the-table clash with St Mirren but the first result he'll ask for at the end will be the Jambos'.

He is confident his former club are capable of stretching their unbeaten run to 10games.He said: "Of course they can get a result.

"They've shown against everybody they've come against so far that they are more than capable.

"Even to come back from 2-0 down with10men at Falkirk in their last game shows that they have character in abundance.

"It's a big test for them and if they win it strengthens everyone's resolve to go on and do things - win the title - and even if the result doesn't go for them it is not the end of the world.

"It's only the first round of games and there is a lot more football tobe played before anyone gets round to handing out the prizes.

"But the fact people are talking so much about Hearts shows the great job the people there are doing.

"I don't think their success is down to any one individual.You've seen Rudi Skacel scoring goals almost weekly and it is massive for Hearts to have someone coming from deeper or wider areas to do that. His partnership with Hartley in the middle of the field is vital.

"And both would applaud the quiet but confident job Julien Brellier has done. He's been the unsung hero for the team in the middle of the park.

"They've got Edgaras Jankauskas up front and he's an excellent leader of the line, although he and Hearts will miss the injured Roman Bednar at Parkhead. He's scored his share of goals but it's his overall contribution that has impressed me"He's quick andpowerful - a real presence - and brings others into the game.

"The back four have been rock solid. In fact, that's underselling them - they've been awesome for Hearts.

"George Burley hasn't changed them much. Robbie Neilson, Steven Pressley and Andy Webster were regulars for me as well but he's brought in Takis Fyssas at left-back and he has been a quality acquisition who has settled in very quickly to Scottish football.

"Obviously, Craig Gordon behind them has been different class and is going to go all the way in the game.

"He's missing on Saturday and that might be a blow but I have a feeling Steve Banks will come in and do a job for Hearts.

"I've seen him play and he's a good keeper without a doubt. He's not a rookie and has been waiting patiently for his chance.

"I think he'll relish the occasion and the chance to perform in front of 60,000 people.

"There is no reason why Hearts can't get another good result at Parkhead. They've got a stronger squad than the one I took there when we won 2-0 last season.

"They've got a better record going into the game than we had last year and they've got better players.They should be confident

Taken from the Daily Record