A tug of war

HEARTS youngsters Calum Elliot and Lee Wallace could become embroiled in a club-versus- country dispute as a result of their club's Champions League qualification.

Scotland Under-19s, coached by Tommy Wilson, are expected to call on both players for the Under-19 European Championship Finals in Poland next month, just as Hearts are entering the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The Scots have been handed a tough draw against Portugal, Spain and Turkey and will want all of their eligible players available for what is certain to be a testing period of three matches in over five days.

Scotland's final group match of the eight-team tournament is against the Turks on July 23, but Hearts' first qualifying match is scheduled for July 25/26. Should Scotland qualify from their group in Poland they will progress to the semi-finals, ruling both Elliot and Wallace out of European participation with their club. Hearts learned yesterday that they will face either NK Siroki Brijeg from Bosnia-Herzegovina or Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus in the Champions League's second qualifying round. "Nobody at the SFA has asked us about this yet," said Hearts coach John McGlynn. "No doubt they will want to take both players but we have to assess the situation.

"I don't think it's something we have to make a decision on right now, we would more likely wait until nearer the time.

"We're just starting pre-season training but we would probably need an answer on this by the beginning of July so that Hearts, Scotland and the players knew what was happening. The Champions League will be great experience for young guys like Elliot and Wallace.

"Likewise, if we feel we have enough cover, then the championships in Poland would also be valuable to them and I know that both players played a big part in helping Scotland qualify.

"They would be happy to be involved either way as long as they are playing but I don't think they would want to miss a chance to play in the Champions League. We will decide what's best for all parties."

Elliot conceded: "It will be a busy time next month but I'm looking forward to it.

"I don't know what's happening regards whether I'm going with Scotland or not. I just hope it can get sorted." Hibs striker Steven Fletcher is also a doubt for involvement with Scotland given his club's participation in the initial rounds of the InterToto Cup next month against either HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands or Latvian outfit Dinaburg Daugavpils.

Taken from the Scotsman