Scottish stars vital to derby day success, says Romanov

VLADIMIR ROMANOV expects the adrenalin rush created by Hearts' increasing influence on the Scottish national team to propel his club to victory in Sunday's Edinburgh derby.

The Russian banker today revealed his praise for international debutant Robbie Neilson in the aftermath of the 2-0 loss in Ukraine, a match Romanov attended to watch Craig Gordon, Steven Pressley, Paul Hartley and Neilson in action.

With the core Scottish element at Tynecastle providing a vital backbone to Walter Smith's national squad, Romanov declared that the escalating success of individuals at Hearts is generating a togetherness that could be vital against managerless Hibs at Easter Road.

"I believe their success will keep the team's spirit strong and they will all take that into the game against Hibs on Sunday," said the majority shareholder. "I had a feeling of great pride to see four Hearts players in the Scottish team. The Scots are very important to the Hearts first team and there is no doubt the club is playing a significant role in the success of the Scottish national team in terms of the number of players being selected by Walter Smith."

Romanov also revealed a hint of dissatisfaction with some of Smith's tactics when he added: "It's a pity about the defeat but they all played well, although Hartley was more needed in the middle of the pitch than on the right wing."

Neilson, according to his paymaster, is in better physical condition than ever at present after helping his club break the 100-barrier for having international players on their payroll.

"There were a lot of good moments to watch and I was very impressed with Robbie's performance," said Romanov. "He contributed superbly in both attack and defence in a game that the Scots were a little unlucky to lose.

"His is a terrific achievement in reaching the century mark of Hearts players capped for their country. He has been in good form this season and never before have I seen him in such good shape."

Hearts will not have Andy Driver available for Sunday, although Neil McCann has returned to training after a knee problem and Edgaras Jankauskas should be available to start on the substitutes' bench.

"Jankauskas has been training all week with the squad and has a decent chance of being available for selection," said assistant coach John McGlynn. "Neil started back training yesterday and provided he suffers no setbacks he will also be available."

McGlynn does not expect fatigue to be a problem for Hearts despite nine first-team players having been on international duty in the past week.

"We have so many guys on international duty that we can't possibly rest them all. It's good that it's a derby game and will be 100 miles an hour. We'll have to keep an eye out in case players are tiring but the plus point is that a big game like this will keep them tuned in."

Taken from the Scotsman