McGlynn: Elvis is in good nick
PAUL KIDDIE

INTERIM Hearts boss John McGlynn today leapt to the defence of Steven Pressley after his captain was slated by former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas.

The Jambos skipper has paired up with McGlynn as the Jambos’ new management team in the wake of John Robertson’s sacking but has found himself the target of a vicious personal attack by the ex-Scotland striker.

Nicholas launched his verbal volley in a newspaper column yesterday. He claimed it was "laughable" that Pressley is caretaker boss for the final two games of the season and insisted: "He can’t even defend properly as a player never mind being asked to try to organise a major football club. I don’t have sympathy for him as a person as I am not a fan."

Twenty-one times capped Pressley refused to be drawn on Nicholas’ comments but is understood to be privately seething at the attack on his character.

McGlynn, though, hit back at the slurs and said he was convinced his skipper had all the qualities required to carve out a successful career in management when his playing days are over.

McGlynn said: "I am focused on tomorrow and if I started reading that sort of stuff it could take my eye of the ball and that’s something I don’t want to happen.

"I don’t want myself to get wound up about it as the players have enough to do without getting involved in other issues.

"Elvis has great respect in the dressing-room from the players and that is a massive thing when it comes to coaching.

"If you have the players’ respect, you are half way there. His knowledge of the game is great, he has a great manner in putting points across to team-mates and as far as I am concerned in due time he will go on to have good career in coaching and management."

Nicholas, whose former team visits Tynecastle tomorrow, added that he thought it "farcical" that the duo had been put in charge and referred to McGlynn as a "mystery man."

Such jibes, though, don’t wash with the man who has been instrumental in bringing through a host of youngsters into the Hearts first team in his nine years at the club.

"I can understand to a certain extent someone having a go as if you haven’t been a big player it can be very difficult to be accepted," he said. "I have worked very hard to get here and I’ve had this sort of thing all the way through and, to be honest, it just makes you all the more determined to be successful.

Christophe Berra is set to miss the visit of Martin O’Neill’s side, the centre half struggling with an ankle injury.

The chances of former Celt Mark Burchill (thigh) and Jamie McAllister (knee) featuring have improved this week with McGlynn is hopeful the pair will be available for selection.

HEARTS owner Vladimir Romanov, who was expected to attend tomorrow’s match, has had to postponement his trip due to business commitments.

Taken from the Scotsman