Hearts out to be the Masters not servants

THE Scottish Masters is viewed as a bit of fun by football fans around the country yet you won't find the Hearts players taking part at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow this weekend giving the competition anything less than 100 per cent.

While the majority hung up their boots years ago the opportunity to pull on a Hearts jersey again seems to bring out the competitive streak in them and make no mistake, they're in it to win it.

The Jambos will be up against teams from Rangers, Celtic and Motherwell in a bid to lift the trophy they last clinched back in 2001 and book a place in the British Masters where they could come face-to-face with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Gary Mackay, Derek Ferguson, Allan Moore, Alan Lawrence, Kenny Black, Scott Crabbe, Sandy Stewart and Dave Bowman will all be representing the Gorgie side with six players allowed to take to the pitch at any one time.

And while many of them may not be in peak physical condition anymore they are nonetheless looking forward to rolling back the years and strutting their stuff in front of what is expected to be a large crowd.

"As players we do take it serious because we want to win it," said Lawrence who played for Hearts during the 1995/96 season. "Don't get me wrong, we want to enjoy ourselves and it's nice to meet up with old team-mates and for the fans to see guys from the past but you never lose that will to win.

"There will also be guys on other teams that you may have played against during your career and I don't think there will be many faces that aren't familiar.

"There will be a bit of banter with them but when it starts it's taken deadly serious because at the end of the day it's televised and fans pay to watch it so you have to treat it that way.

"It's a chance to re-live your playing days a bit and I'm really looking forward to it."

This is the first time for a number of years that the Jambos have competed in the Masters after organisers scrapped inviting teams from Hearts and Hibs in favour of Kilmarnock and Motherwell in the hope that they would boost attendances because they are nearer to Glasgow.

However, after that idea failed to work Hearts were invited again and Lawrence is eager to make up for lost time, something he is confident they can do. "We actually have quite a good team because there's nobody you would say is past-it. They are all reasonably fit," he added.

"Crabbo was still playing last season, I still train with Bathgate Thistle, Sandy Stewart played a few games last season and I would think wee Moorey is still capable of playing as is Kenny Black - they've always looked after themselves.

"We don't have guys that are in their late 40s, early 50s who have maybe put on a bit of weight so that will hopefully help us.

"Having said that these guys can still play.

"They may not have the legs but they make their brain play the game. They still have the touch and they can see and pick a pass so you can't underestimate anyone."

Of course several of the squad are well-known supporters of the club and Lawrence believes the chance to represent Hearts again will mean that bit more for them.

"Guys like Gary Mackay, who is a massive Hearts man, will be desperate to win but then he was always the same when he actually played for the club.

"Pulling on a Hearts shirt again will also mean a great deal to Crabbo who's never hidden the fact that he's a big fan.

"There are a few who fall into that category and it can only help us that we have guys who will be giving that bit extra because now that they are no longer full-time players they will be supporters getting the chance to represent the club.

"But nobody will be going there just to make up the numbers. At the end of the day it's a chance to qualify and play in the British Masters and although it's only a six-a-side game it's a chance to play against some really big names.

"When we played against Liverpool the last time we made it through they had guys like Ian Rush and Jan Molby playing for them and it's great to say you have been on the same pitch as them.

"They were all real legends and it was a great experience getting to play against them and meet them. They were taking it all just as serious as we were so we'll be looking to try and get to that stage again. People maybe don't realise quite how professionally it's all run.

"When we were down in London the PFA flew me down, picked me up in a car at the airport and took me to the hotel.

"Everything was laid on for us and once it was all over they drove me back to the airport and picked up the cost of the flight back up to Scotland again.

"If they are taking it that seriously I think it's only fair that all the players do the same."

• THE Scottish Masters kicks-off at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow at 6pm on Sunday. Admission is £12 for adults and £8 for concessions.

Master's squad

Hearts: Derek Ferguson, Gary Mackay, Alan Lawrence, Allan Moore, Kenny Black, Scott Crabbe (below), Sandy Stewart, Dave Bowman, TBA.

Celtic: Tosh McKinlay, Tommy Boyd, Tommy Johnson, Chic Charnley. Willie Falconer, Gerry Britton, Darren Jackson, Andy Walker TBA.

Rangers: Nicky Walker, David Robertson, David McPherson, Stuart McCall, Fraser Wishart, Gordon Durie, Robert Prytz, Ally McCoist, Mark Walters.

Motherwell: Kevin McKeown, TBA, Rob McKinnon, John Hendry, Paul Harvey, Ally Graham, Jamie Dolan, Owen Coyle, Eddie May.

Taken from the Scotsman