Hearts’ Andy Webster desperate for more silverware

LISA GRAY
Published on Saturday 26 January 2013 00:13

ANDY Webster insists Hearts do not have to use their off-field problems as motivation to win silverware again this season.

The Jambos’ financial issues have been well documented, with the club’s very future at stake earlier in the campaign.

The focus, however, will be firmly on the football this afternoon when they battle Inverness for a place in the Scottish Communities League Cup final and Webster says Hearts’ desire to secure a Hampden return after last season’s William Hill Scottish Cup triumph is strong irrespective of any off-field factors.

The central defender said: “It doesn’t really matter what’s going on behind the scenes, it’s an opportunity to get to a final and win a cup. Everything else gets put to the side. When you taste a bit of success with silverware, you’re desperate for more. It’s great to look back and think you have won medals, you’ve played on the biggest stage, you’ve given yourself every opportunity to win a trophy.

“Saturday’s game is a massive ask for us, but we know the incentive is there.

“As a footballer, you want to play in these big occasions and Saturday is a big occasion. It’s a great incentive to get back to a cup final.”

Hearts may be Scottish Cup holders, but, according to Webster, winning the League Cup is also an attractive prospect.

He added: “It’s an opportunity to win a trophy. Nobody is going to go into the competition thinking ‘we don’t really want to win.’ When you get that opportunity to win silverware, you are desperate for it.”

An impressive run of results means Inverness are flying high in second position in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Webster said: “They’ve done exceptionally well. On current form, they’re one of the best sides in the league. It’s going to be a massive task on Saturday but it’s one we are definitely relishing.”

The defender has not been surprised by Inverness’s success so far this season. He added: “Generally, over the course of the season, a lot of the teams have shown a bit of decent form and a lot of teams have shown a fair bit of consistency.

“There is an opportunity there to do well. I’ve not really been surprised because they do have some quality players.

“I think anybody, if they show a bit of consistency and decent form, can get themselves up there.”

Asked if the Highlanders are favourites for the tie, he said: “Probably, yes. Saturday is a different kettle of fish.

“They’ve shown great form, we’ve shown inconsistency. But, come Saturday at 3 o’clock, it will be the best team on the day.”

Webster’s contract expires at the end of the season, but he is not looking to the future just yet.

He said: “The club has probably got enough to worry about for the foreseeable future. I’m happy to be here and delighted to be playing, so I just take it as it comes.”

Taken from the Scotsman