MICHAL'S GONE OUT ON THE POSPISIL

MICHAL POSPISIL stroked home the penalty that clinched the Cup for Hearts - then launched into a 48-hour bender.

The Czech Republic striker, who buried the Jambos' decisive fourth spot-kick, was meant to fly back home after the epic Hampden encounter.

But while his wife and family have already left Scotland, Pospisil postponed his journey home so he could make the most of Hearts' celebrations.

He said: "My boy is too small to attend the game so my wife flew back on Friday.

"I am staying on because I want to celebrate with the boys. I have reserved a flight for Monday afternoon but maybe I will stay longer. The celebrations will be big and I want to make the most of them.

"I was confident. I also scored a penalty in the Final of the Under-21 European Championship so I believed I could do it."

Given how Gretna came close to causing the biggest shock in Scottish football history, maybe a stiff drink would have helped to settle Hearts' nerves beforehand.

Pospisil believed an uncharacteristic, error-ridden display was simply down to the weight of expectation on a club who had won just one trophy in three decades.

He said: "We didn't start well and as the game went on we became really nervous and didn't play well defensively.

"I came on when we were 1-0 up and soon it was 1-1. I thought I could decide the game but it proved difficult to beat Gretna.

"But this is great for the fans because they really deserve to win the Scottish Cup."

Pospisil reckons Hearts' triumph could just be the beginning of a Tynecastle revival but he knows they will have to raise their game next term.

He added: "We have to be better because Rangers and Celtic will buy new players.

"It will be harder because we surprised people this season and next term the Old Firm will be more prepared for us."

Taken from the Daily Record