IT CAN'T GET ANY BERRA THAN THIS

CHRISTOPHE BERRA watched with excitement as the camera panned along the superstars of Liverpool and AC Milan while the Champions League music belted out.

It was May 25 last year and the Anfield side went on to claim their place in history after coming from three down to win football's biggest club prize on penalties in Istanbul.

It was also the night Berra started to dream of starring in the tournament.

Now the Hearts youngster can move a step closer to his ambition by helping the Jambos complete the job on Siroki Brijeg in their second-round qualifier.

The Tynecastle men hold a comfortable 3-0 lead going into Wednesday's second leg and look certs to set up a clash with AEK Athens for a place in the group stages.

Berra, who has just signed a new five-year deal at the club, said: "The Champions League game that sticks out is the 2005 final.

"I remember watching the players lining up before the match with the tune blaring and the Champions League flag waving in the middle of the park.

"It made me dream of lining up like that and it would be emotional if we did it."

Berra will also use that game to guard against complacency when the Tynecastle side head to Bosnia. Milan squandered a three-goal lead to let Liverpool snatch the trophy and the Jambos stopper knows Siroki could wipe out their advantage just as easily.

He said: "That final proved freak results can happen so we have to be focussed."

Berra's reputation as a potential top-class defender was further enhanced in midweek.

The Scotland Under-21 star's emergence has helped soften the blow of losing Andy Webster after a contract dispute.

Berra is loving life in the top team and hopes to take his game to a new level in Europe.

He said: "I'm playing against different kinds of players in Europe and it will make me more aware of what you need to do against them.

"There are going to be lots of scouts and it will raise my profile. I was a wee bit nervous on Wednesday but as soon as you get your first touch you don't think about the crowd.

"It was great to keep a clean sheet because it was my first big European match.

"Steven Pressley told me I did well so it bodes well for me.

"Elvis is so experienced. He talks you through a game and doesn't moan at you.

"I always take what he says and add it to my game.

"I've played well so far. Even towards the end of last season I played a few games at Parkhead and Ibrox and did well. Hopefully the gaffer will keep faith in me. To get the new deal gives me a lot of security.

"I want to progress over the next few years and do my best to get into the Scotland set-up."

Berra is picking up the skills needed for the European game and hopes the fans also adapt quickly to continental matches and learn to be patient.

Hearts didn't break Siroki Brijeg down until the second half and the punters were getting more than a little nervous.

Berra said: "You have to pass the ball and bide your time in European football

"The crowd were getting a bit annoyed at us passing the ball about but they should realise that's European football.

"If you watch Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea they all do that. The SPL and European football are so different."

Taken from the Sunday Mail