HARTLEY READY FOR DOMESTIC BLISS

Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley hopes to make the transition from international football back to the Bank of Scotland Premier League as seamless as possible when the Gorgie side travel to take on Aberdeen.

The 28-year-old played in Scotland's 1-1 friendly against the USA last Saturday but now turns his attention to Pittodrie where the Tynecastle men hope to build on their 2-0 win over Dundee United in their last outing a fortnight ago.

Hartley said: "It's always nice to meet up with the Scotland squad and get away from league duties.

"I really enjoyed last week and it's always good to play international football but we're back to the SPL again and it's going to be a difficult match at Aberdeen.

"It's a live televised game, there will be a good Dons crowd at Pittodrie and we will take around 2,000 fans up there.

"Perhaps Aberdeen haven't started the season that well but they have good players in their squad, no doubt about it.

"However, it is one we are looking forward to and one that we need to win.

"We had a good result against Dundee United in our last game so hopefully we can get another good result at Pittodrie because it's important that we maintain our place up at the top of the league with Celtic."

Hearts head coach Graham Rix, who will take charge of the Gorgie side for the first time since taking over from the departed George Burley almost two weeks ago, will happily forego any credit for contribution to the Tynecastle club's cause if they maintain their fine recent form for the rest of the season.

The Jambos have lost only one league match all season and are vying with Celtic at the top of the table but Rix will not make his own stamp on the side for the sake of it.

He said: "As long as Hearts win games I don't care whose team they say it is.

"My number one priority is to give it 100% and win as many matches as possible. There might be subtle differences in the way we play and obviously I won't say what they are but I just want to keep the momentum going.

"My style is slightly different to George but the response from the players, even in the little things, has been brilliant.

"I think they have enjoyed their training and I get the impression that they are raring to go. I'm certainly excited about the game."

Taken from sportinglife.com