I don't want to be a hate figure like my pal Mikoliunas, says Iceland Star Eggert Jonsson

Mar 31 2009 By Colin Duncan

EGGERT JONSSON has set himself two goals this week: Wreck Scotland's World Cup dream and then return to Tynecastle without becoming the most hated man in the country.

Jonsson recalls Hearts team-mate Saulius Mikoliunas being vilified in his adopted homeland following a European qualifier two years ago and is desperate to avoid the same fate.

Mikoliunas dived under an innocuous Darren Fletcher challenge to win a highly contentious penalty as Lithuania drew level with Alex McLeish's men at Hampden.

Two late goals helped Scotland win the game but the conduct of Mikoliunas has never been forgotten.

The Hearts midfielder remains public enemy No.1 with the Tartan Army and is booed every time he touches the ball at grounds up and down the country.

George Burley can expect similar treatment if Scotland fail to take three points against Iceland and Jonsson is quietly confident of causing an upset.

He said: "My main aim going into the game is not to become as unpopular in Scotland as Miko.

"I think he's still getting booed by fans all over the country. Hopefully, the fans won't hate me if I play and Iceland get a victory.

"I play in Scotland and live in Scotland. I've been here a long time now and I support Scotland when they are playing.

"But I'm Icelandic and I want to win at Hampden. If we win the game I'll walk into training with my Iceland top on."

Written off after losing at home to Burley's men earlier in the campaign, Iceland currently sit above us in second spot after beating Macedonia and drawing with Norway.

Jonsson believes they can dump the Scots and said: "This is our best chance to beat Scotland after they had a bad result against Holland and they are under pressure.

"We have a good squad with guys who play in England and we also have Eidur Gudjohnson who is world-class."

Jonsson formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Christophe Berra at Tynecastle before the Scot's January transfer window switch to Wolves.

The pair, firm friends off the pitch, are set to be in direct opposition tomorrow night providing Burley doesn't ditch Berra in favour of Celtic's Stephen McManus, who returned to training yesterday after missing out in Amsterdam.

Jonsson believes his mate should get the nod and is relishing the chance to put one over him. He added: "Christophe moved away from Hearts in January and I think he has played well for Wolves since then.

"Now he has had his first start for Scotland and I think his career is developing.

"There are great things coming for Christophe and he is capable of playing at the highest level.

"I think he showed that on Saturday night.

"It would be harsh if he was left out for the game against us but it's up to the manager.

"I spoke to him and we've been having good banter about the game. There's been a few texts.

"I'll try to get his jersey after the match when hopefully I will be celebrating a great result for my country."

Taken from the Daily Record