ANDY RETURN IS BIG BOOST FOR WALTER

ANDY WEBSTER will today train with his new Wigan team-mates for the first time since completing his move from Hearts.

The Scotland defender headed south last night as he prepares to kick-start his career following his switch to Paul Jewell's side on a threeyear deal.

Webster was on international duty earlier this week when Walter Smith's squad met for a two-day get-together at St Andrews ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

And the national boss will receive a further boost as Webster embarks on his new challenge in the English Premiership after falling out of favour with Tynecastle owner Vladimir Romanov.

Webster is still ineligible for Saturday's opening league clash at Newcastle as he awaits clearance from FIFA to turn out for Wigan.

But the fact the central defender is back in full-time training will hearten Smith who is preparing to name his squad for the clash with the Faroe Islands on September 2.

Webster had been working out rigorously on his own to ensure he kept himself in peak condition. Now the Scots ace is back in the groove for club and country at just the right time.

Meanwhile, Hearts coach John McGlynn insists he won't appeal against the two-match touchline ban he picked up after being sent to the stand during the recent ill-tempered match against Celtic.

McGlynn clashed with Hoops boss Gordon Strachan and later claimed he felt obliged to confront the Celtic bench for trying to intimidate the Hearts dugout.

McGlynn will have to sit in the stand when Hearts host Inverness a week on Saturday and St Mirren on September 9.

He said: "I am just going to leave i t and accept the punishment."

Hearts have been granted permission to beam back Saturday's clash at Ibrox to Tynecastle.

Taken from the Daily Record