I CAN BE A LOT BERRA DEFENDER THAN ANDY

CHRISTOPHE BERRA last night begged Hearts to hand him Andy Webster's defensive role and save a fortune in the transfer market.

Berra reckons he could be a perfect replacement for the Tynecastle contract rebel in the new season.

And he believes that if he is given an extended run in theteamthennewboss Valdas Ivanauskas wouldn't have to go out and buy another defender.

Berra is not short of self-confidence even though he has played only a handful of Jambos first-team games.

And the 21 -year-old revealed he has modelled his game on England international defenders John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

Berra, whose ambition is to be capped by Scotland, outlined his targets at Hearts' retreat in Windischgarsten in Austria.

He said: "If Andy leaves then hopefully I will get more first-team chances.

"New players will be coming in but I hope Hearts don't sign any more defenders.Even if they do I am more than happy to fight for a place.

"I feel I can be the man to replace Andy and the boss knows my capabilities. If I can get the same experience as Andy, I feel I can progress like him.

"I also look a defenders in the mould of Terry and Ferdinand and have tried to base my game on them."

Berra appeared in the last four games of the season against Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and the Scottish Cup Final against Gretna and believes they were the best he played for the Jambos.

He said: "Without being big-headed, I played really well and did my first-team chances no harm.

"I have played in a lot of games and feel I can cope with the big stage.

"My long-term objective is to play for Scotland after sampling the Under-21 and Future squads.

"Andy improved as a player at Hearts and won international honours. I see no reason why I cannot do the same."

Berra insists Hearts can emulate the Old Firm and consistently challenge for silverware after their Cup triumph and second-place finish in the SPL that earned Champions League football.

He said: "We want to go one better and challenge Celtic and Rangers for the title. We do not want to be known as one-season wonders."

Taken from the Daily Record