ELVIS KEEN TO PRAISE THE SPIRITS
mailsport premier league
By Euan Mclean

STEVENPRESSLEY reckons Rangers will crash to defeat at Tynecastle today because Hearts now have the legendary team spirit of Gers' nine-in-a-row heroes.

Elvis came through the youth ranks at Ibrox in the early 90s and saw the power of that famous "drink together, win together" atmosphere created by the likes of Ally McCoist, Ian Durrant, Andy Goram and Stuart McCall.

And while today's Jambos dressing-room might involve less booze and daftness Pressley can see a bond of brotherhood just as strong.

He said: "I'm pretty certain we'll beat Rangers.

"That would go a long way to securing second place. If we are nine points ahead it will be good daylight between ourselves and Rangers with only eight games to go.

"Whenever we play at Tynecastle we believe we will win. The club's attitude when facing the Old Firm has changed. We fear nobody.

"Belief has transmitted to the fans - that's why we have 17,500 every game.

"We pride ourselves on a good dressing-room and all the new players have embraced the spirit.

"It's not the 'team that drinks together' idea because generally the spirit is created within the dressing-room.

"Considering the number of nationalities and the adversity we have come through what we have created within the team is fantastic.

"All the Scottish boys take responsibility to welcome the foreign lads."

That togetherness has steered Hearts through more turbulence this season than a jumbo jet stuck in a hurricane. Yet Pressley can't hide his anger that all the talk is about hanging on to second place rather than fighting Celtic for the title.

He said: "We have the capabilities to win the league. We must show we have learned the know-how to sustain a challenge over 38 games because we have talent.

"I've heard this talk of the west coast media having a witch hunt against Hearts. But I think they are delighted the monotony has finally been broken.

"And it's not just us. Teams finally believe the Old Firm aren't invincible.

"The difference between top players and the rest is their strength of mind. They believe they will win these big matches. Why shouldn't we when the game's at Tynecastle?"

Pressley can't wait to get back into battle today for the first time in three weeks after a virus.

He said: "I felt a lack of strength and power - almost a loss of morale.

"I tried to come back but felt the effects again. So the only cure was rest."

Taken from the Sunday Mail