Player of year Hartley wants love affair with Hearts to go on and on

PAUL Hartley has reiterated his desire to finish his career at Hearts after being named the Bank of Scotland player of the season.

The Scotland international midfielder, 29, was thrilled to pick up his award following Hearts' Tennent's Scottish Cup triumph.

"It has been an incredible season winning so many awards," said Hartley. "Saturday was fantastic. This is another special award for myself. It shows you - not just as player but as a team - how the season has gone. We had such a fantastic start to the season when we were flying top of the league but we were really consistent the whole season. They key word is consistent.

"The one other thing is desire, the desire to be successful and to do something in the game and win something."

Hartley has been a target for Celtic in the past but he added: "I'd love to finish my career at Tynecastle. I love the place, and love playing at Tynecastle, and training with the players. I love the people. I have got another two years left, but I would love to see my career finishing at Tynecastle."

The former Hibernian man also paid tribute to club captain Steven Pressley. He told Heartsfc.co.uk: "We both want to be successful and we have got real desire, as individuals and for the club. The supporters have been through a lot. On the park we get on well and we both want the same thing. We have got a magnificent skipper at the club. It has been 13 or 14 years [for me] but it was worth the wait."

Meanwhile, Cameroon striker Albert Meyong, who has been linked with a move to Hearts, has indicated his desire to play in England or France.

Meyong was top scorer in the Portuguese league last season with 16 goals and his club, Belenenses, have claimed Hearts are closing in a deal worth £1.3million for the 25-year-old.

Belenenses, who were relegated, are keen to cash-in on their prize asset but Meyong is determined to play in a strong league - with his agent insisting he wants to play in the Champions League group stages.

Reports in Portugal claim Hearts are playing hard-ball over the deal and French side Auxerre are one of several clubs waiting in the wings if the negotiations break down. Two English clubs also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation.

Meyong said: "Any of them, the French or English championships, are good leagues. Everything is in the hands of my agent and the president of Belenenses, who will deal with this. I don't know if I am still going to stay here yet as it can't be forgotten that I still have a year left on my contract."

Taken from the Scotsman