Hearts goal-getter Obua all the Berra for jibes

BARRY ANDERSON
TRAINING ground jibes from Christophe Berra certainly struck a chord with David Obua last week. "Are you really Uganda's top goalscorer?" quipped Berra, as another wayward shot from Obua soared into Riccarton's surrounding woodland. The comment was taken to heart.
Days later, the midfielder's double provided the catalyst for a pulsating 3-2 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle which lifted Hearts to joint third in the SPL.

Larry Kingston hogged the headlines with his winning goal in the dying seconds,but Berra took particular note of Obua's contribution after mocking his colleague.

The lanky African had flattered to deceive in Scotland since his summer arrival on freedom of contract. Despite being idolised at former club Kaizer Chiefs and a darling of the Ugandan national team, he couldn't acclimatise to the often frenetic SPL environment and encountered criticism from some Hearts fans.

Saturday's display offered some evidence that he may be ready to justify the exalted reputation he arrived with.

Obua won an aerial challenge with Inverness goalkeeper Ryan Esson before knocking home his first goal for Hearts, his second being a powerful back-post header from Andy Driver's cross.

As he gratefully accepted the adulation from the Tynecastle support, the 24-year-old would also have been satisfied at forcing a portion of humble pie down Berra's throat.

"You have to give credit to David," said the club captain. "The gaffer's been banging on at the two wingers to get in at the back post if the ball is coming from the opposite side. David did that twice on Saturday and it was great to see him get on the scoresheet.

"I was having a go at him in training last week because I'm sure he came over from South Africa having scored a lot of goals there and for Uganda. But he hadn't scored, or even really hit the target, for Hearts. Then he goes and scores two so I'm sure he'll celebrate that and be rubbing it back in my face this week.

"I'm glad for him. A few times in training he's been shooting and the ball's gone flying over the bar. I was like, 'are you sure you're Uganda's top goalscorer?' But he scored two on Saturday and no-one was more delighted than me."

Obua's long limbs make for a slightly unorthodox style on the field and his performances appeared to lack both energy and purpose earlier in the season. This brought some scathing comments about his ability but the faith of manager Csaba Laszlo, who coached the player with Uganda, is now being rewarded.

"You can see he's playing with a bit more confidence now," continued Berra. "A few fans were on his back not so long ago but when players come to a new country it does take time to settle. I think people can overlook that. He's actually done it quite quickly compared to some."

With Obua on one flank and Driver, right, on the other, Hearts did not appear to miss Kingston's influence at the weekend as he was restricted to the cameo role of substitute.

Driver's accurate crossing from both wings created all three of his side's goals and it was he who was impeded by Roy McBain for the second-half penalty missed by Michael Stewart. "It was maybe one of Driver's quieter days but he was involved in all three goals," said Berra.

"I think he'll play better games but you have to look at the three assists he had, that amounts to a good game.

"I thought it was going to be one of those days. We went ahead twice but they scored two goals from two set plays.

"The second free-kick was a fantastic strike but we have to look at it and think about giving away silly free-kicks. That's the only area where Inverness were dangerous.

"As a defender you must be consistent. I know I have a lot to improve on myself and I'll keep improving until I'm in my final years at 34 or 35. I have a lot more to come. I want to keep getting victories and prove how good a player I am, and I'm sure the rest of the boys feel the same.

"To get the winner straight after they equalised in the 89th minute is perhaps even sweeter. We knew that would be the winning goal and it was extremely well worked.

"A great ball from Michael, Driver took it in his stride and Larry was there to finish it off.

"The gaffer said our subs came on and did a good job and it's important to remember it's not only about the eleven players who start games."

Laszlo was unhappy with what he described as a lack of discipline from his team, however, he is unlikely to complain too much after three successive victories. This weekend's trip to Hamilton offers the opportunity to continue the winning habit.

"We know we're nowhere near the finished article and the gaffer wasn't happy in the dressing-room on Saturday," said Berra. "We have to keep on improving, watch video analysis of our games and see where we went wrong.

"Winning like we did showed great character and that's three victories in a row for us now. Inverness didn't trouble us too much but we maybe slipped off the front foot a bit at times.

"Their manager just got sacked and we knew they would be trying like bears.

"A victory is a victory, though, you can't win while being on your game all the time.

"We played some nice football at times although maybe the killer pass was missing on occasions. But we've now scored seven goals in the last three games."

Statistics like that belie Hearts' need for a striker. Recent matches have not only changed the perception of the team, they have also transformed people's opinions on certain players. Just ask Berra.

Taken from the Scotsman