BOSNIANS WON'T KILL MY DREAM

STEVEN PRESSLEY has seen better public parks but he's determined that Siroki Brijeg's backwater Pecara stadium will be his launchpad to the San Siro.

Skipper Elvis can smell the glamour of the Champions League groups as Hearts prepare to defend a 3-0 lead in the return leg of their qualifier in Bosnia tonight.

A positive result here in the hills south of Mostar will take the Jambos through to face AEK Athens in the third qualifying round.

Pressley and his team-mates trained in blistering heat in Siroki's basic and compact ground yesterday.

But the Tynecastle star admits trips to more high-profile destinations further on in the competition can only be achieved if they get past less famous clubs such as the Bosnians.

He said: "Three years ago, almost to the day, we were preparing to play Zeljeznicar in the UEFA Cup so that shows you how far we've come since.

"It's every player's dream to play at the highest level and in European club football, the Champions League is the highest level.

"In order for us to get the chance to play in stadiums such as the San Siro and Bernabeu we have to show we are capable of beating the likes of Siroki.

"I've experienced greater football arenas but the playing surface looks fine so I'm looking forward to it.

"I don't fear for our selves at all. I think we have very good professionals in the squad."

Hearts coach Valdas Ivanauskas, whose only gripe about the pitch was that the grass was too long, appeared to signal the end of Mirsad Beslija's time with the club despite including the Bosnian wide man in his squad.

Beslija, who signed in January from Racing Genk for£850,000, has made only three starts and could be on his way back to Belgium.

Lokeren and Club Brugge are reported to be interested and Ivanauskas said: "He is a good player but if he has ambition to play regularly and good clubs come in it will be good for him and good for everyone."

Taken from the Daily Record