ROMAN READY FOR REWARDS

HEARTS striker Roman Bednar has revealed an ambitious double target for the season -to score 20 goals and win an international call-up.

The Czech striker's seven goals helped the Tynecastle club qualify for the Champions League last season but a knee injury in the 1-0 win against Rangers last September and four months on the sidelines killed off his World Cup hopes.

Bednar, who signed last summer from Mlada Bolesla via FBK Kaunas, is praying for a clean bill of health from now on and a chance to impress Czech coach Karel Bruckner ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Speaking from the club's training base in the south of France, he said: "I have told Elvis (Steven Pressley) I will score 20 goals, if I don't have injuries. This is not arrogance, it is ab out believing in myself.

"I was injured for a long time last season but this year I start again like every Czech player.

"The same gaffer will be in charge and he does tend to prefer players who have played with him, but he must try me. I must play well and hopefully he will give me a chance to be in the squad.

"I think he will come and watch me because there are now four or five Czechs playing in Scotland."

Meanwhile, Siroki Brijeg coach Ivica Barbaric reckons the chance to play Hearts has handed his troops a massive Champions League incentive.

The Bosnians face Shakhtyor of Belarus for the right to take on the Tynecastle club in the second qualifying round.

Hearts coach Valdas Ivanauskas reckons Shakhtyor are favourites to progress, but Barbaric insists the prospect of a visit to Scotland will drive his players to success.

He said: "The first leg against Shakhtyor is away so if we do not lose any goals we will be in a good position to face Hearts.

"Playing against one of the best Scottish clubs is a great reward for our players."

Taken from the Daily Record