PAUL READY FOR THE REAL HART STUFF

PAUL HARTLEY called the shots in Scotland's midfield against the Faroes but knows it will be a completely different proposition against Lithuania on Wednesday.

The Hearts playmaker said:"No game at international level is easy, so to beat anyone 6-0 is an excellent result.

"When we went into the dressing room at half time 5-0 up, and having played so well, it was more than satisfying and even though we dipped in the second half the job was already done.

"We've heard the pitch in Lithuania is horrendous and they will make it difficult for us, so we are well aware how hard a tie this will be for us.

"And obviously there will be an edge to the game as we have so many Lithuanian players at Tynecastle.

"I've never gone in at the interval five goals up but I've been five goals down a few times.

"Walter Smith took me aside a few days ago and asked if I could play the role that Barry Ferguson usually fills by sitting in, getting on the ball and making passes.

"I was delighted just to be involved and was happy with my performance, as I saw so much of the ball which made it all the more enjoyable.

"There were a few niggly tackles and the referee was a bit picky, so it was vital we kept our cool. We can't afford to pick up stupid bookings which could cost us later on in the campaign."

Hearts boss Valdas Ivanauskas was at Parkhead to compile a dossier on the Scots' performance for his compatriots. And Hartley said: "I'm sure he'll be telling the Lithuanians that Scotland are a good side who pass the ball well and play with an attacking formation.

"It will be a like a typically British game so we'll need to keep our cool and manage our temperament against them.

"We shouldn't approach the tie with anything other than great confidence, especially after scoring six goals against the Faroes.

"Any convincing victory at international level has to give us a lot of belief, so we'll be positive on Wednesday night.

"When you go away and play with your country you have to adapt to whatever is thrown at you and that's what we'll do.

"If we can get another win it would be the perfect start to our qualifying campaign, as there is a genuine feeling that things are coming together under Walter.

"We have a good mix of experienced players, and for guys like myself and Steven Pressley -who were late starters in international football - we're cherishing every moment we can get being involved with our country."

Taken from the Daily Record