I LOVE BEING AT HART OF THE ACTION

PAUL HARTLEY stamped his class all over the Americans on Saturday and walked out of Hampden finally convinced he belongs at international level.

The Hearts midfielder, capped seven times by his country, has arguably been the find of the Walter Smith era since his debut against Italy in the San Siro last March.

Hartley has excelled since moving into a more central role in the last two matches against Slovenia and the USA.

Hesaid: "I feel over the last couple of months that I'm more established. I'm playing in the middle of the park, which is where I like to play.

"It happened in Slovenia and against the USA and I feel more comfortable than I didat the start.

"I was working my way into the squad and trying to impress. I think in the last few games I've done that."

Hartley knows he can't afford to let his standards slip with talent like Scott Brown breathing down his neck. The Hibee made an instant impression on his debut and his Edinburgh rival thinks he'll be in the Scotland set-up for the foreseeable future.

Hartley said: "Scott did well and he was unlucky with his goal that was probably just offside.

"He showed enthusiasm and has ability and I'm sure he'll be in the squad for a long time."

Hartley's intelligent use of the ball was one of the factors in Scotland pulling themselves into a contest they were out of during a one-sided first 20 minutes In the end a draw was probably a fair resultand Hartley reckons the scoreline proves Scotland are not far behind a team ranked 55 places above them in the FIFA world rankings.

He said: "It was a hard game. They were sharp in the first 20 minutes and passed the ball well.

"But we dominated the rest of the first half although the second half was a bit scrappy"We competed really well against them and they probably play easier games than wedo in qualifying.

"It's disappointing they are going to the World Cup and we're not but good luck to them."

There's no respite for Hartley this week with another high profile game for Hearts at Aberdeen on Sunday to look forward to.

The fixture gives Jambos coach Graham Rix his first opportunity to showcase his talents and Hartley revealed Scotland team-mate Nigel Quashie has given him a glowing reference.

He said: "I'm delighted with the appointment. It's a British coach and that makes it easier for the players.

"He has a good reputation and I managed to speak with him before I left. I've heard a lot of good reports and I've spoken to a couple of people.

"I spoke to Nigel,who worked with Graham at Portsmouth, and he was very impressed. Apparently he likes his midfielders so that will help me.

"I've also spoken to Mark Burchill and Jim Duffy has given him a glowing report so that's good for us."

Despite his baggage away fromthe game Hartley insists he will have no problems working alongside Rix.

He added: "George Burley helped me, as did Craig Levein and hopefully Graham Rix will do the same.

"He was a magnificent player and hopefully he will be a good manager for Hearts

Taken from the Daily Record