Neilson will benefit from battle against Shev - Valdas

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS believes that Robbie Neilson being exposed to the ruthless attacking instincts of Andriy Shevchenko tonight can only benefit the player and Hearts.

The Tynecastle full-back has been drafted into the Scotland side on the right side of defence to replace the suspended Christian Dailly who picked up his second booking of the competition in the stunning 1-0 win over France last weekend.

Neilson, the Gorgie club's longest-serving player, has been given the nod ahead of city rival Steven Whittaker who was called up to the national squad for the first time on Monday as a result of injury and suspension problems.

Manager Walter Smith spent this morning trying to devise a formula that will combat the lethal Chelsea striker Shevchenko, and Neilson is sure to be part of that.

And he will be desperate to play his part in bolstering a defence that has conceded just one goal during Scotland's opening three European Championship qualifiers.

Facing Shevchenko, who is expected to attain match fitness in time for tonight's clash, could be somewhat daunting for the 26-year-old in his first international game, but Ivanauskas believes a baptism of fire in Kiev's imposing Olympic Stadium will only be an enhancing experience for both player and club.

"It will be a big experience for Robbie to play against Shevchenko and other big stars," said the Lithuanian. "This can only help him and also help Hearts.

"It's not an easy game to play in but it will be great for him and for the club."

And Hearts assistant coach John McGlynn revealed he is delighted for the defender.

"He has got an opportunity because of Christian Dailly's suspension but you still have to be doing well to be considered in the first place," he said.

"It's an opportunity for Robbie to show what he can do at this level and I'm delighted for him because there is nobody who has worked harder at their game than he has.

"Tonight' game is probably one where we will be defending a lot and Robbie is a very good defender so that could suit him.

"I've no doubt he'll acquit himself very well in the game and hopefully his performance will give Walter Smith cause to play him again in the future.

"It'll be a big test for him but one that I'm sure he'll handle."

Meanwhile, Julien Brellier, Christos Karipidis, Juho Makela and Andrius Velicka all played in Hearts reserves' 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Forthbank Stadium yesterday and came through the match unscathed.

Karipidis was making his first appearance since being injured in the CIS Cup victory against Alloa last month while Brellier hasn't featured since the 0-0 draw with Sparta Prague in the UEFA Cup.

A strong Jambos side dominated the clash for long spells and won courtesy of a goal from Velicka midway through the first half when he latched on to a Makela through ball.

The Lithuanian striker, who scored his first top-team goal against Dundee United prior to the international break, did his chances of being involved in this Sunday's derby with Hibs no harm at all as he confidently shot from ten yards.

Taken from the Scotsman