Neilson hopes to make cap fit next campaign

HEARTS defender Robbie Neilson hopes this will be the year when he finally makes the breakthrough to the Scotland team.

The 26-year-old is the longest-serving player at Tynecastle and has gradually established himself as a key member of the first team.
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His no-frills performances at right-back helped Hearts beat Rangers to the runners-up spot in the Bank of Scotland Premier League last season, as well as success in the Tennent's Scottish Cup.

But so far, international recognition has eluded him.

Had he not been involved in the Scottish Cup final, Neilson might have been included in the Scotland squad which took part in the victorious Kirin Cup campaign staged in Japan - a tournament which allowed debutants Kris Boyd and Chris Burke of Rangers to shine as the Scots brushed aside Bulgaria and held off Japan.

Instead, he is hoping the new campaign will allow him to force his way into the plans of Walter Smith before the European Championships qualifiers.

But Neilson insists club must come before country for now.

"It would be nice for me - but it's more important to be playing at Hearts week in week out, in a team challenging for the league and in the Champions League," he said.

"If I'm doing that then the Scotland thing will come along eventually.

"The hard work is done at your own club.

"You have to be given the chance and you have to earn that chance.

"I did okay last season, and it's a case of building on that and hoping my performances can earn me a call-up."

Neilson expects more signings and even more competition for places next season.

But the player insists he is not fazed by the challenges which lie ahead.

He said: "It's the same as every year - it's just a case of concentrating on your own game.

"We've got a lot of players in every position.

"We've got a massive squad, so it's just about working hard and producing performances."

Taken from the Scotsman