FORGOTTEN JAMBO TALL FINALLY GETS ON THE BALL

TYNECASTLE'S forgotten man Ibrahim Tall insists he's never contemplated quitting Hearts - despite waiting nine months to make his debut.

The Senegalese full-back was finally handed his first team bow during the 2-0 win against Kilmarnock after the Edinburgh side were plunged into a defensive crisis.

Hearts began the match minus both first-choice centre-halves, with skipper Steven Pressley injured and Andy Webster banished to the stand as a result of his ongoing contract dispute.

Jose Goncalves then limped off after 24 minutes paving the way for Tall, who didn't get a look-in under previous bosses George Burley and Graham Rix, to be handed a rare window of opportunity.

And while the former Sochaux defender started nervously as he adjusted to his shock involvement, he certainly grew in stature as the game progressed.

Tall said: "I was surprised because it's been a long time since I played but I'm happy because the manager gave me the chance to play my first game for Hearts.

"To win 2-0 in an important game was very pleasing. I haven't played because I have had trouble adapting. It's been a tough time, but hopefully it's over.

"In the first minutes it was difficult for me because I haven't played for so long but then when everybody started talking to me on the pitch and it was a lot easier.

"My last game was for Sochaux against PSG on May 14 last year so it has been a long wait.

"It has been difficult but I signed for three years and I never thought about leaving. I want to do well at Hearts. I like Edinburgh and I want to stay here."

Tall saw a move to Celtic fall through after failing to impress during a trial last summer but he was then offered a three-year deal by Vladimir Romanov.

Burley made it perfectly clear at the time the signing was nothing to do with him and Tall was never considered for selection.

However, despite spending almost an entire campaign rotting in the reserves and watching Hearts recruit 11 new players in January, Tall has stubbornly refused to accept defeat.

He added: "I want to prove to the manager and everyone that I am a good player. For eight months I didn't get a game, but now I have my chance and I want to play all the time.

"The new signings made it more difficult for me because there was a lot more competition, but whether I was playing for the second team or just training I continued to work hard. I won't give up."

Taken from the Daily Record