SPL TITLE GROWING ON HEARTS

CRAIG GORDON, Robbie Neilsen and Andy Webster had barely registered on the Hearts radar when Stephane Adam quit Tynecastle in the summer of 2002.

Yet after returning to his adopted home for the first time in three-and-a-half years, the Frenchman believes the boys who have grown into men can lead his former club to the SPL title.

Adam watched Hearts destroy Hibs in Saturday's Edinburgh derby and while he was astounded by the sorcery of Rudi Skacel, it was the contribution of the Scottish trio that left a lasting impression.

The striker etched his name in Hearts folklore with the winner in the 1998 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Rangers.

And he believes Gordon, Neilson and Webster can join him in the club's hall of fame by helping Hearts overhaul leaders Celtic in the SPL race. Adam insists only a lack of strength in depth restricted Hearts from mounting a sustained challenge to the Old Firm in years gone by.

But he feels that is no longer an issue after Graham Rix made an incredible 11 signings during the transfer window.

Adam, who conducted the half-time draw during the 4-1 win over Hibs, said: "It was a good day to come back and I got a terrific reception from the fans.

"I think Craig, Robbie, Andy and Steven Pressley are the only players left from my five-year spell at the club. Of course Elvis was a leader back then but I noticed a huge difference in the others.

"Andy was just in the squad but Craig was still in the youth team with Robbie. Now Craig has so much confidence and quality and he has improved beyond belief. I believe he's the best keeper in the country and one of the best in Britain.

"There is a lot of pressure on them to win the SPL but this is a great challenge so early in their careers. I think when you are young you don't have much fear and that will be a huge advantage to Hearts.

"They all have plenty of experience of playing against Celtic and Rangers and have nothing to lose.

"Celtic are the favourites but Hearts must look forward, be ambitious and get the job done."

Adam moved back to his homeland when he left Hearts but he has recently returned to Edinburgh and is looking to take his first steps in management.

He added: "I've spent the past few years getting my coaching badges and I want to be involved in football again.

"I've spoken with Graham Rix, Jim Leishman and Jim Duffy and I plan to get in touch with Jim Jefferies and Billy Brown at Kilmarnock.

"They are the guys who brought me to Scotland and it would be great to team up with them again."

Taken from the Daily Record