Pospisil is looking to Czech in for World Cup

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS star Michal Pospisil today set his sights on World Cup glory with the Czech Republic.

The Tynecastle front man roared his country on to play-off victory over Norway on Wednesday night from his living room in the Capital, Tomas Rosicky's goal giving Karl Bruckner's side a 2-0 aggregate triumph.

The win saw the Czechs book their first appearance in a World Cup finals as an independent nation and Pospisil has now set his heart on gracing football's biggest stage next summer in Germany.

"I watched the game on television during the week and I was delighted that we managed to get through to the World Cup finals," said the 26-year-old, whose Gorgie compatriot Rudi Skacel, pictured below right, will also be hoping to extend his season beyond the end of May next year.

"It is a tremendous boost for our country and who knows, maybe I could be part of the squad?

"If I am playing well and Hearts are still at the top of the league, then I may have a chance of making it."

Should he not do enough to impress his former Under-21 coach, Pospisil will make plans to join the thousands of Czech Republic fans making the pilgrimage to Germany to cheer on their heroes.

"I would like to go there as a fan if not as part of the squad," he said. "I know the coach knows me from my time with the Under-21s but whether that will help me or not, I'm not sure. He knows a lot of players! I definitely want to be out on the pitch with the team but if that doesn't happen then I'll try to go and support the team. That would be a great experience."

Pospisil is set to lead the Jambos' attack in tomorrow's clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The trip north marks a baptism of fire for new boss Graham Rix, who will have to decide between Edgar Jankauskas and teenager Calum Elliot as his partner in attack.

The Lithuanian is free of suspension having been banned for the win over Dundee United but the former England midfielder has already stated he will be making minimal changes as he looks to kick off his reign on a winning note.

Pospisil has been impressed with the new Gorgie head coach, Rix having worked closely with the players on the training ground since his appointment 11 days ago.

He sees many similarities to the George Burley's style and is confident the squad can continue the good work under the latest manager, beginning with a vital three points tomorrow afternoon.

"We had success under the former manager and it would be good to continue in that way," he said.

"Tomorrow is Graham's first game in charge and it is very important to start off with a victory in his first game. That would keep everyone very happy, the fans, the boss and the players."

Along with his team-mates, Pospisil has watched with a sense of bewilderment at the off-field drama which has enveloped the club in recent weeks.

The shock departure of Burley and his backroom team of Simon Hunt and Malcolm Webster as well as the sacking of Phil Anderton and resultant resignation of George Foulkes as chairman, stunned all associated with the club.

The appointment of Rix and the arrival of a new director of football at some stage in the near future will, Pospisil hopes, bring some much-needed stability to Hearts.

He said: "There have been many changes in the club in a short space of time. It has been difficult for us all but we as players have had to try to stay concentrated on our game. I am learning English at the moment and thankfully don't understand a lot that is being written about the club at the moment.

"I just want to keep football in my focus. When George Burley left it was a shock for us all but I think we are used to it now.

"There was a point when I was worried about all the changes at Tynecastle but I am a professional footballer and football is my priority.

"Will there be more changes? I think that is a question for Mr Romanov.

"The board of directors explained the changes that were made and we have to respect them for that."

Meanwhile, only around 150 tickets from Hearts' allocation of 1800 remain unsold for Rix's first game and they will be available at Pittodrie Stadium tomorrow afternoon on a first come, first served basis.

Taken from the Scotsman