BERTI VOGTS could be about to make a sensational return to Scotland - as Hearts manager.

Vogts' reign as Scotland boss was cut short after he failed to lead the Tartan Army to Germany for the World Cup finals but now he fancies making a comeback by taking over at Tynecastle.

Vladimir Romanov, who has sacked three managers so far, has been told of Vogts' interest in succeeding Graham Rix and having asked for one Hearts' owner is currently studying a copy of the little German's CV.

His ill-fated stint with Scotland apart, it can easily be argued that Der Terrier does have a first-class pedigree.

But even so, news that they could have him as their new manager is bound to bring Hearts fans crashing back to earth after Sunday's heady heights at Hampden. While their Scottish Cup euphoria may subside rapidly at the thought of Vogts in the dug-out no one can second guess Romanov, who has his own bizarre notions on what is best for Hearts.

And you never know, he just might take a shine to Vogts.

The idea of having a man who was a World Cup winner as a player and a European champion (Euro 96) while manager could have great appeal, even though Hearts' temporary manager Valdas Ivanauskas has certainly staked a claim to the full-time position. Vogts, though, has never cut his ties with Scotland. He has kept a home here and his son, Justin, is still studying here.

His credentials certainly captured the imagination of the SFA's chief executive David Taylor, who was proud of the fact he had gone to Kuwait in 2002 to persuade Vogts to leave the oil-rich Gulf state.

Taylor declared his coup would take the national side on to a new level, but doubts began to seep into that belief after a dreadful start when France beat Scotland 5-0 in a friendly.

He did have a few successes but was never able to convince enough of the fans or players that he was Scotlands saviour and when his side could manage only a draw with Moldova in a crucial qualifier everyone, including Taylor, knew Vogts' time was up.

Although he has been linked with various jobs since the SFA finally had the courage to terminate his contract in November, 2004, he hasn't taken up any offers.

He has been waiting for the right opportunity to get back into the game and believes Hearts might just be the club to redeem himself in the eyes of Scottish fans.

Taken from the Daily Record