BRING BACK DALLAS

JOHN HARTSON last night revealed he wanted Hugh Dallas to come out of retirement ... because he would still be the best referee in Scotland.

The Welsh striker's admission is sure to stun Celtic fans who have never forgiven the World Cup whistler for his handling of the 1999 Old Firm title showdown at Parkhead.

But Hartson insisted current referees don't live up to the high standards set by Dallas, who quit at the end of last term.

Ian Brines will take charge of Celtic's top-of-the-table clash with Hearts at Tynecastle tomorrow in what is sure to be one of the games of the season.

And when the big striker was asked how important it would be to have a strong man in charge of such a massive game,he made it clear who his first choice would be.

Hartson said: "You would want a strong referee. It's the same when you go to Ibrox. Bring back Hugh Dallas, that's what I say. He was different class - the best in my opinion.

"Hugh did things right. I know he made mistakes but then every referee does. I just felt that over the time I've been up here, in cup finals, Old Firm games and the like,he handled the games in right way.

"If you look at the way some of the referees deal with it now, and all the palaver and bravado that goes along with it,then you can see that. The way Hugh handled it and himself was to his credit.

"I didn't bump into him on the way here, by the way.

"I know it is a very difficult thing to do. Players and managers know that. But I thought Hugh did great.

"He sent me off once at Aberdeen and it was the correct decision. It wasn't always rosy for me playing when he was in charge but I'm just saying if referees could look at the way he did it then that's the way forward."

Hartson's style means he will always have his moments with the men in the middle and it's a fair assumption that Brines might have to have a word in his ear at Tynecastle.

The Celtic star said:"I was asked if we need a strong referee and that's what we hope for. Whoever goes in will do so with an open mind and referee it as fair as possible - as they always do.

"It's a very difficult job but someone like Hugh was great in these situations. It's top of the table with a lot of pressure flying around but he dealt with that.

"Referees' hands are tied sometimes because they have to go with the letter of the law. Sometimes when referees take it into their own hands and let things go, that's when you get a better game. Sometimes, in hindsight,they are much better thought of"A lot of the other referees,who are maybe not so good, will go with the letter of the law because they'll get a bollocking off their boss - then that causes uproar. Where do you drawthe line andwheredoyou argue?

"The ref is only doing his job. It's just the way it is.

"The game has moved on but it's still very physical. Players are now so fit and so strong that it has to be that way. Go and tell Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira that they can't still make tackles.

"You can still do that. The timing has to be that bit better because you just get punished

Taken from the Sunday Mail