Oh brother! Our football careers are poles apart

THE passions aroused by the rivalry between Hibernian and Hearts can only be matched by the intensity of family feuds.

But for a pair of Edinburgh brothers, harmony seems to be reigning - despite playing for opposing city teams.

Marco Pelosi, 20, was recently given a five-year contract with Hearts, while his step-brother, Ben Mackenzie, 14, has been signed up by Hibs.

And if their careers continue to prosper, they may one day face each other in a derby - Marco plays at left-back while Ben is at right-midfield.

Marco started out at Hearts Initiative when he was 13, turning semi-pro at 16. Given a year's professional contract, aged 19, by the then manager John Robertson, he spent much of last season on loan to East Fife.

After a training session, he received an envelope stamped with the Hearts crest.

He said: "I opened it and it said they wanted to retain my services as a player. It didn't say how long it would be for, but I was delighted.

"I went to see Valdas Ivanauskas and [youth academy director] John Murray and they offered me a five-year deal.

"Being on loan at East Fife was hard because it was 'out of sight, out of mind'.

"I didn't know if I was being watched or if I was going to be offered a contract."

Ben has followed in Marco's footsteps since he was only three years old, watching his step-brother playing for Dunedin Boys Club. Ben also played for Dunedin, later playing with Hearts Boys Club before joining Tynecastle Boys, where has played for the last three years.

But instead of being given the chance to don a maroon jersey, it was Hibs who came calling with an offer.

He said: "The manager phoned and said I had a trial for Hibs. I went along and seemed to play well.

"I felt a wee bit nervous at first, but it's been really good when I've been playing.

"We've played three games so far this season. We drew against St Mirren and beat Celtic, but were beaten by Rangers.

"I want to be a footballer with Hibs and get into the first team one day."

As a Hibs fan, Ben says that Marco signing for Hearts doesn't upset him.

On the contrary, he added: "It's great. I wish him all the best."

Marco, meanwhile, is hoping to impress enough to make the step up from the reserve ranks at Tynecastle into the first team.

He said: "I think a lot of youngsters will get a chance. If Hearts stay in the UEFA cup, they'll need to rest some of the big names."

He is also happy to return Ben's compliment.

"I think signing for Hibs is great news for Ben. I hope I've steered him in the right direction, and good luck to him at Easter Road," he said.

Ben's dad, Calum Mackenzie, is rightly proud of his son's achievements and those of his stepson Marco, who he raised with the boys' mother, Lorraine Banes, at their Craigleith home.

Of Marco's success, Calum, 42, said: "When he came back from East Fife in the summer, with all the foreign players Hearts have been bringing in we thought he would have to find another team.

"When he was told he was going to be offered a five-year contract he was obviously delighted.

"We're all Hibs supporters but I think he's starting to lean the other way.

"I'll still be absolutely delighted when he runs out for Hearts."

He continued: "Ben's had a lot to live up to, and hopefully he can make it too.

"Marco's a left-back, and Ben's a right midfielder, so if they're ever both full-time, they'll be playing against each other."

Taken from the Scotsman