DODS SURE HIS MATE'S IN LINE FOR TOP AWARD
INVERNESS V HEARTS
By Euan Mcarthur

DARREN DODS can recall a time when Paul Hartley struggled to get a game at St Johnstone.

But just a few years on the Inverness defender would put his mortgage on Hartley's name being in the mix for the player of the year honours.

Hartley returns from a three-match ban today as Graham Rix's Jambos look to take another step towards holding on to second spot in the SPL and that coveted Champions League berth.

However, Dods has other ideas and plans to make sure it's an unhappy return for the man who he thinks makes Hearts tick.

Dods said: "Paul's been outstanding for both Hearts and Scotland this season.

"Apart from his recent time out through suspension he's been virtually ever present in the Hearts midfield.

"I remember 'Zico' from our St Johnstone days. He was signed as a winger and didn't always get in the team.

"Since then, he's gone on to establish himself as a central midfield player.

"Paul's one of these guys who just seems to keep on improving and you get the feeling there's probably more to come.

"Paul's certainly worthy of being in contention for this season's Player of the Year awards.

"We'll have a chat after the game but hopefully I'll be the one who's smiling."

Dods is a lifelong Hibs fan but is the first to take his hat off to the Tynecastle club for their continual challenge for one of two Champions League spots despite all the well-publicised off-field upheaval.

The 30-year-old admits Hartley's not the only Jambo due some recognition for his efforts so far this season. But he's warned them not to expect Caley Thistle to lie down and allow them the three points this afternoon.

Dods said: "Hearts are very strong in all departments and we know we'll have to be at our best to stop them.

"Craig Gordon has been immense in goal while Andy Webster has been solid in front of him.

"They also have some very good players in midfield and plenty of options up front including Roman Bednar and Edgaras Jankauskas.

"However, these are the games every player wants to be involved in. It's always great to test yourself against quality opposition.

"Hearts are a very talented side but our meetings with them so far this season have been very close.

"We lost 1-0 at home before drawing 0-0 at Tynecastle and I expect our latest clash to be just as close."

Inverness had hoped to edge closer to a top-six finish last weekend when they faced Motherwell.

But a 1-0 home defeat means Aberdeen are now breathing down their necks while Well are also on their tail.

Dods said: "We were a bit flat last week which is not like us at all this season.

"We hardly created anything and although it was a soft penalty for Motherwell we still didn't play well.

"We couldn't ask for a better game to bounce back in than this one.

"There will be a big crowd and a fantastic atmosphere. Hopefully we'll respond to the occasion."

Taken from the Daily Record