Hearts ace Michael Stewart has matured enough for a Scotland role, says Steven Pressley

Aug 19 2008 By David McCarthy

STEVEN PRESSLEY last night insisted Michael Stewart's return to the Scotland squad after a six-year absence is down to the one-time hothead growing up.

The former Manchester United midfielder gained his three caps under Berti Vogts in 2002 but Stewart - a single-minded individual who is not afraid to speak his mind - went on to earn an unwanted and unfair reputation as a dressing-room agitator that led to an acrimonious departure from Hibs under John Collins.

The 27-year-old found himself back at Hearts, where he'd had a previous loan spell alongside Pressley before going to Easter Road, and has fulfilled all his undoubted potential with a string of top-class performances in his 14 months at Tynecastle.

That form led to yesterday's call-up for Scotland's friendly against Northern Ireland at Hampden tomorrow night as boss George Burley sought to replace Paul Hartley, Gavin Rae, Kevin McNaughton, Callum Davidson and Gary Caldwell.

Three players have been drafted in - David Weir, Graham Alexander and Stewart, whom Pressley watched excel for Hearts at Ibrox at the weekend.

The Scotland coach believes the player's growing maturity is the major reason for his return to the international scene.

He said: "He certainly is a player with talent but I think at times Michael has been his own worst enemy.

"But I have seen a change in his outlook - he seems a more mature man and that has been reflected in his performances.

"George saw him against Motherwell where he did exceptionally well and I was at the game on Saturday where I thought he acquitted himself really well.

"He seems to be on top of his game and taking a certain degree of responsibility. He is channelling things in the right manner.

"Possibly Michael's drawback in the past is that he hasn't channelled his aggression and focus in the right manner.

"Sometimes that comes with maturity and that has been the case in recent months.

"He gets frustrated and is very demanding of himself, which can be a good thing. He wants to be the best he possibly can be but I think it has been a slight hindrance to his progression.

"As he has matured he is now reaping the benefits.

"All players mature at different levels-look at Hartley, he was a late developer.

"Certain players like Michael have great attributes but it's about piecing them together.

"I think finally he is beginning to do that and hopefully the national team will reap the benefits of that in years to come."

Pressley believes the arrival of new Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo has benefited Stewart. He added: "He has maybe needed a bit of direction but seems to be responding to the new manager. He had a reasonable season last year and has started this one well.

"I've always liked Michael as a player and he is actually a nice man, an intelligent man. I'm pleased he is beginning to realise his potential.

"Different players peak at different ages and maybe Michael is not reaching the levels we have all hoped he'd get to."

Pressley denied Burley's decision to bring Weir into a squad for the first time since he took over as Scotland boss was a U-turn by the manager, whom it seemed had ended the Rangers defender's international career.

The coach added: "That was never the case. With the amount of games he played last year I think the friendly games may have been a hindrance to him and we took that into consideration.

"George has been in contact with Davie several times and told him he would very much be in his thoughts for the Iceland and Macedonia doubleheader.

With the call-offs for this game, we thought it important to bring his experience in."

Weir looks set to play alongside Celtic's Stephen McManus, leapfrogging Cristophe Berra and Darren Barr, the latter of whom has been drafted in for experience. Pressley said: "Darren has great potential and seems to be getting better year on year but we don't want too much of a burden on him too soon.

"We'll allow him to come into the squad, settle in, get to know the players and George's methods and possibly play a part in the game."

With the visit of Northern Ireland being the last match before the start of the World Cup qualifiers in Macedonia on September 6, Pressley is looking for a couple of newcomers to barge their way into Burley's plans.

He said: "With each game you don't know what your best side will be because of circumstances and calloffs.

It's important to get a group of players we believe in and trust and this game gives us that opportunity.

"Kris Commons has come in and he is a player we are quite excited about.

James Morrison proved in the Czech Republic game that he can bring genuine width to the team.

"It's important we win on Wednesday night and take that confidence into the Macedonia game but it's also important to get a squad together we believe in and trust."

Pressley has been introduced to the coaching set-up with Scotland but remains desperate to continue his playing career after being released by Celtic. The 35-year-old said: "I'm still training with Celtic and I'm thankful to them for giving me that opportunity.

"The transfer window shuts at the end of the month and there will be some movement then but being in my situation I can sign beyond then if nothing happens.

"I'll give it another four or five weeks and if nothing comes up I'll have to reconsider my future. I certainly hope it is playing but if it's not I'll have to look at something else."

Taken from the Daily Record