Berra not far from Scotland call-up, says Ivanauskas

HEARTS head coach Valdas Ivanauskas believes Christophe Berra is challenging for international recognition, with Scotland manager Walter Smith having watched the defender three times this month.

Smith is considering calling on 21-year-old Berra for February's B international against Finland at Rugby Park and that could lead to a full cap in next May's friendly with Austria following the defender's rapid progress under Ivanauskas.
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The national coach was in the Tynecastle directors' box yesterday for the Edinburgh derby to assess Berra's progress along with that of the Hibs triumvirate Scott Brown, Steven Whittaker and Michael Stewart.

Earlier this month, Smith saw Berra in action against both Aberdeen and St Mirren as he looks to nurture fresh talent to challenge for places in the full Scotland squad.

Berra was previously a regular for Scotland's under-21 side but turns 22 in January having emerged as a reliable centre-back, and occasional captain, for Hearts this term.

Ivanauskas said: "I think Christophe is the next big candidate for the national team. That is my opinion and I feel he would be good for Scotland because he has a big future in the game. Walter has been waiting and watching and I think, in the next few months, Christophe has a big chance to play in his national team."

Ivanauskas was delighted with Berra's performance in yesterday's 3-2 triumph over Hibs, but was keen to focus on the overall togetherness of his players. He added: "We are a very clever team and our discipline was okay. A derby game is never easy."

The Lithuanian also offered his fulsome support to Saulius Mikoliunas, who scored the decisive third goal for Hearts having previously been a victim of abuse from his own supporters this season. "Miko has my full backing," said Ivanuaskas. "Although he is still a young boy he is very important to us. This has been a learning period for him."

Ivanauskas confirmed that both Robbie Neilson and Takis Fyssas were rested yesterday, and Hearts fans who felt Julien Brellier signalled his imminent departure from the club by throwing his jersey into the stand at full-time have had their fears calmed.

"There was no devilment in his actions," said Brellier's agent, Maurizio de Giorgis. "I think he wanted to show his appreciation to the fans because they support him. My interpretation of him throwing the jersey would be that it was a gesture to the fans. The situation is still as it was, Julien likes to be in Edinburgh and we wait to hear from Mr Romanov."

Asked if there was still a chance of Brellier remaining at Tynecastle beyond January, De Giorgis replied: "There is always a chance until something is signed."

BRUNO AGUIAR will miss next month's SPL match against Celtic after collecting his sixth booking this season against Dundee United on Saturday.

Taken from the Scotsman