Valdas keen to see Paul return hale and Hartley

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS expects to see midfield talisman Paul Hartley return to Riccarton next week having finally attained optimum fitness during his international engagements with Scotland.

The Hearts head coach believes the encounters with France at Hampden Park later today and Ukraine in Kiev on Wednesday can help Hartley reach premium physical condition following his return from a groin injury.

Hartley was denied a pre- season in Austria during July because of the persistent problem, which forced the 29-year-old to seek specialist advice in France. He didn't make a competitive appearance until August 19 at Ibrox but, in recent weeks, has provided glimpses that the imperious form which saw him finish as Hearts' joint-top goalscorer last season is returning.

Ivanauskas said: "I spoke with Paul after the Dundee United game to wish him all the best for both Scotland games. He told me his fitness was around 95 to 98 per cent and it's getting better. I think you saw that in the Dundee United match from how many times he was in their penalty box.

"Both games will be difficult for Scotland, especially over in Kiev in front of such a big crowd. Every full game Paul plays is good for the coaches here and for Paul himself, and, if you are playing against the World Cup finalists, it can only be good for you."

Ivanauskas will attend Hampden this afternoon in the hope that his Hearts players can maintain their feel-good factor in the dark blue of their country.

The head coach wants Craig Gordon, Steven Pressley, Hartley and, if involved, Robbie Neilson to deliver high-quality performances and remain in the rich vein of form that has helped Hearts to four victories in their last five matches. "France are a big nation with big stars but Scotland are in a good situation in their section. I think it's a very interesting game and it will be a good test for my players," continued the Lithuanian.

"It's very important they avoid injury too, though. I am going to the game and it will be a big occasion."

Speaking in a Hearts context, Ivanauskas went on: "We got some of our players back to training yesterday with a good rest behind them. Now we will get them focusing on the Hibs game. The break has been good for everybody and we can train normally now."

Taken from the Scotsman