Bad boy Brellier keen to learn from his past errors

THE importance of keeping his head when those around him seemed in imminent danger of losing theirs was never more tellingly emphasised to Julien Brellier last season.

Brought in from Inter Milan, the robust midfielder was soon identified by the Tynecastle support as one of the better buys. A quality addition to a midfield that had flair and favouritism aplenty in Paul Hartley, Rudi Skacel and either of the Lithuanians, Saulius Mikolaunas and Deividas Cesnauskas, he gave that department a bit of steel.

An unglamorous role but one that was appreciated by the people around him and behind him on the pitch. But off the field one key individual, Vladamir Romanov, has never been truly impressed.

The difference in opinion prompted the kind of public act of defiance the fans have, on the whole, resisted for fear of chasing the Lithuanian away. When he was substituted, the move was booed and when he was dropped, his name was chanted and French flags and banners bearing his name were unfurled.

But while others railed on his behalf, the 24-year-old kept his counsel. It has earned him an extended stay and his place back in the starting line up.

But he acknowledges there was one moment when he could not keep a lid on his frustrations, although it is perhaps apt that it was in defence of a colleague rather than a selfish soliloquy.

"I remember the night at Tannadice when I was red carded. I have tried to wipe it out of my head because it was last season and this is a new campaign but I made a mistake in that game which I have learned from."

The sending off happened when Brellier lashed out at Derek McInnes in the midst of a melee after Steven Pressley won an 86th minute penalty which ultimately gave Hearts a share of the points.

"We agreed with Steven and it was just at that moment I lost my head, it was a rush of blood. I never touched the player but I was punished by the referee and it's important to keep calm in such situations because I understand how these things can look to referees."

Today, when the two teams meet at Tynecastle, he hopes any squaring up will be metaphorical.

"I think we can definitely win something this season. We didn't have a very good start in the SPL but at least it was the same for Celtic and Rangers so we have the chance to make a big impact."

Taken from the Scotsman