Mole believes attack-driven Hearts can win UEFA spot

Hearts' play has impressed during the opening three SPL matches with Laszlo having imparted his wish for a controlled game plan centring around crisp and purposeful passing.

Mole stressed today that such an approach is certain to ensure European football returns to Tynecastle next year. Although fourth place would be sufficient to guarantee a UEFA Cup second-round qualifying slot, he expects Hearts to aim even higher.

"We need to keep on believing. If we do, we can get the third spot," said the Englishman. "The style of football that the manager wants to play will see us beat most teams. It's down to us, the strikers, to score goals and, if the midfield chip in as Michael Stewart has done, then we'll be difficult to stop.

"If we keep on playing the way we're playing we'll be up there. I think we've shown we will play good football this season. Even against Rangers that didn't change and I thought we were unlucky in that game.

"On Saturday our game was tidy with lots of good passing. That's what the manager wants and it's working."

Stewart scored the decisive second goal against St Mirren before missing a late penalty, an aberration for which Laszlo happily shouldered the blame.

"We had two penalties and I always write two or three people to shoot penalties," he smiled. "I wrote Michael Stewart and Larry Kingston. Kingston was not in the game (he had been substituted], but it was my mistake as I meant to write David Obua.

"David is a fantastic penalty shooter and free-kick shooter. Next time I will write three names and we have more opportunities."

Obua, who looked convincing on his Hearts debut, saw the funny side when asked about the incident. "I wanted to take the last one but we have to follow protocol," he said. "The coach said Michael was to take the penalties. I was going to take it but the gaffer said Stewart was to take it. Next time, I promise I'll take it."

Taken from the Scotsman