WALTER'S PLEA OVER 3 REBELS

SCOTLAND boss Walter Smith has pleaded with Vladimir Romanov not to punish Tynecastle's rebel trio and risk losing them like Andy Webster.

The national team gaffer will welcome Wigan defender Webster back into his squad with open arms this month when he plays for Scotland B against Ireland in Dublin.

It has been a long road back for the former Hearts star who was frozen out after refusing to sign a new deal under Romanov's regime and had to seek UEFA's help to get out of Gorgie.

Smith is confident neither Steven Pressley, Craig Gordon nor Paul Hartley will endure the same turmoil as close pal Webster - despite speaking out against Romanov's running of the club last week.

Walter said: "Andy's situation was different to what the lads did last week.

"So far there hasn't been any club reaction about them speaking out.

"I don't know what will happen but I thought they did an admirable thing.

"Hopefully everyone at Hearts will take their views on board and act on it.

"I don't think players do something like that lightly and I'd hope nothing untowards happens for the action they've taken.

"You have to take into account the turmoil the guys have been through when there has been a change of management.

"The three players who spoke out last week have been the most supportive of Hearts in all that time.

"People are inclined to forget that. So to speak in the manner they did it's clear there must have been something going on. Andy will play in the B game against Ireland and that will get him back with us.

"There is a gap with Pressley suspended for our next game with Georgia but Stephen McManus is staking a claim."

Meanwhile, Smith has shot down claims Birmingham hotshot Gary McSheffrey could be set for a call-up.

City manager Steve Bruce has touted his £4million striker for Smith's side because he has a Scottish grandfather.

But Smith said: "McSheffrey is ineligible. He played for England when he was younger and although you can switch you have to do it by a certain age.

"At 24 he's too old. Gary is exactly the same as Motherwell's Scott McDonald who has played for Australia."

Taken from the Sunday Mail