BRING ON PRESSURE - ROBBIE

HEARTS' Robbie Neilson knows the pressure is always on at Tynecastle now - but insists he wouldn't have it any other way.

The Jambos full-back says he now appreciates what the Old Firm players have to endure every week.

Neilson,26, is loving life at Tynecastle, especially as the club are sitting top of the SPL after three matches.

Currently with Scotland at their St Andrews training base, Neilson said: "There's more pressure on Hearts than ever, we're sitting top of the league and the whole outlook has changed from a few years ago.

"Not so long ago we'd have been delighted to be leading after three games but we've dropped points already and we're getting a hard time.

"It's been a tough start to the season - we have played six games in two-and-a-half weeks. In the past Hearts haven't had to deal with the same level of intensity Rangers and Celtic have.

"It's hard to play midweek then again at the weekend a few times on the bounce but we're enjoying it."

Neilson was thrilled to receive his first call-up from Walter Smith and wants to make the draft for the Euro 2008 qualifier against the Faroe Islands next month.

He said: "There's a big squad here so I think the manager will have to cut it for the game but hopefully I can get myself in the team."

Taken from the Daily Record