Do it for Elvis

JOHN McGLYNN today urged the Hearts players to grasp their priceless opportunity at Hampden and win the Scottish Cup for inspirational captain Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley.

The assistant coach has stood back in admiration all season as Pressley and Hartley's influence has driven the side to success during one of the most draining campaigns in the club's history.

Pressley has accepted collective responsibility for the squad on several occasions, taking on the role of spokesman during difficult managerial changes and behind-the-scenes disruption.

In recent weeks, Hartley has usurped the subdued Rudi Skacel as the club's top goalscorer and it was his vital penalty against Aberdeen last week that secured a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.

McGlynn now wants two of Hearts' senior players rewarded with the trophy they have both been craving all their lives.

"What has driven the squad on through everything this year has been people like Elvis and Paul Hartley's determination to win something with Hearts," said McGlynn. "They probably realise that they won't have too many more chances to be successful and have been at clubs before who are not used to winning things.

"Steven was saying that to me yesterday that you have to take this opportunity when it comes. He was telling me that he lost in a cup semi-final replay with Dundee United when they were big favourites to win against Kilmarnock. At that time he probably thought he was going to play in another one fairly soon, but that was nine years ago and he is only just making it to the final now.

"He and Paul might not get too many more opportunities, so they see this one and they want to grasp it. That's why we've kept on going this year, as well as other players like Jankauskas and Fyssas who have done it in other countries." They have no fear and have gone out and done the business."

Hearts have a full quota of players available to face Gretna. Pressley's back is not causing concern and Takis Fyssas is also training properly despite missing Sunday's defeat at Ibrox as a precaution.

Andy Webster, who is still refusing to commit his long-term future to Hearts, is also back training after his Achilles injury, however the Evening News understands there is no chance of a cup final recall for the Scotland defender, who has almost certainly kicked his last ball for the club.

"Elvis and Takis are fine, so everyone is shaping up well," added McGlynn. "Elvis does have a niggly back but it was more a precaution to rest him on Sunday. He's fine now.

"There were nine changes to the team on Sunday, and out of the team from Ibrox Bruno Aguiar and Rudi Skacel will certainly be in the frame this week, but it's going to be very difficult because you are only allowed five subs in the Scottish Cup so we can only strip 16 on the day."

However, Brazilian midfielder Samuel Camazzola's season is over after he suffered a serious knee injury in training yesterday. "It's not good news for Sammy," said interim head coach Valdas Ivanauskas. "It was a normal session and he hurt his knee. It's the second time this season. It's not as bad as last time but it is serious and we will have to wait to find out how long he is out."

Taken from the Scotsman