HARTLEY AIMS TO STAY A JAMBO FOR LIFE

PAUL HARTLEY last night admitted he has another dream - to finish his career at Hearts.

As the midfielder paraded the Scottish Cup with his team-mates he said: "If they gave me a long-term contract I would sign it tomorrow."

Hartley, who was sent off in the win over Gretna, was targeted by Celtic last year.

But the 29-year-old said: "Since I have come to this club the fans have been absolutely phenomenal. "I have found the right club and the supporters have taken to me.

"I enjoy playing here and hopefully I will be here for another few seasons." Hartley also wants interim manager Valdas I vanauskas to stay in the hotseat full time.

He said:"I'd love Valdas to get that job but that's Vladimir Romanov's decision.

"However, what we have done just shows you what a good job he has done since he came in."

Hartley revealed he was banned from watching the penalty shoot-out from the Hampden technical area after his red card.

The Jambos star walked after a second yellow for aiming a kick at Derek Townsley.

Hartley admits he was still seething at referee Dougie McDonald for his refusal to award a spot-kick in 85 minutes when Rudi Skacel went down under a challenge from Alan Main.

Andhe admitted he would have taken the penalty and been first choice for the shoot-out. Instead he had to watch the spot-kickson a television in the tunnel.

He said:"The Skacel and Main incident was a stonewall penalty.That brought the red mist down.

"I couldn't believe the ref didn't given the award.I was going to take the kick and be the cup-winning hero.

"I tried to go out into the dug-out and watch the penalties but wasn't allowed.

"But no one would have stopped me joining in the celebrations.

"Gretna were fantastic and we were lucky but the trophy is going back to Tynecastle and that's all that matters.

"I have waited for this since I was a wee boy. "To experience it is just a fantastic feeling."

Taken from the Daily Record