Expect sparks to fly against Hearts, says Aberdeen's Richard Foster

Feb 14 2009 By Ian Orr

RICHARD FOSTER reckons Aberdeen are ready to handle anything Hearts throw at them today.

The two previous clashes between the sides this term have erupted into bitter controversy and the defender admitted the Dons are prepared for passions to run high again at Tynecastle today.

Jimmy Calderwood's men held the Jambos to a 1-1 draw on their last visit to Gorgie in October after referee Steve Conroy awarded Hearts a penalty and then changed his mind.

Csaba Laszlo raced on the pitch after the final whistle and then had to he hauled away after a touchline confrontation with Dons coach Sandy Clark.

At Pittodrie in December, Hearts had hothead defender Marius Zaliukas sent off in the 1-0 defeat and captain Robbie Neilson and Dons striker Chris Maguire were booked for squaring up after the end of the match with the aggro continuing in the tunnel.

Foster believes the bust-ups show just how important their games are to the rivals for a European slot.

The 23-year-old said: "There was a skirmish in the tunnel after the last game which will certainly give this one more edge.

"What happened wasn't really that serious but certainly shows how much matches between us mean to both sets of players. It shows how passionate we all are and adds spice to the game.

"When you are pushing for third spot every game is important but none more so than those against one of your two closest rivals.

"Tynecastle can be intimidating because it is such a tight ground but we can cope with that. If we can start well the Hearts fans will start to get on their players' backs.

"That would give us a lift and help drive us on throughout the game.

"We have already taken four points from Hearts this season so that could give us a slight edge. We should be the more confident side especially after their skipper, Christophe Berra, moved to Wolves.

"They also have Zaliukas suspended and it would be difficult for any team to cope with losing two such important players."

Foster revealed Aberdeen have targeted beating Hearts today and Dundee United at Pittodrie next Saturday to take pole position in the race for a Europa Cup place.

Boss Calderwood has told his players they need nine wins from their remaining 14 games to be sure of qualifying.

Foster said: "The gaffer's target is very realistic. We are looking at the games against Hearts and Dundee United as ones we should go out and win.

"Taking maximum points from them would give us a strong platform for the rest of the season. Getting into Europe again would be massive.

"We managed it two seasons ago and it was a great feeling knowing we were coming back from the summer break to the excitement of that.

"We were one of the form teams in the SPL until we lost at Falkirk two weeks ago.

"But that defeat was just a blip. We a similar one against Hamilton but went on to beat Celtic and draw with Rangers.

"Ideally, we will go on another similar run because beating Hearts would give us a huge boost for the Dundee United game."

Abe rdeen's on-loan Manchester City teenager Javan Vidal could be used to man mark Andy Driver but insists neither that nor the Tynecastle atmosphere will bother him after he made his debut as a sub against Rangers.

Vidal said: "It was a great experience to face up to Pedro Mendes as he's one of the best players in the country. It doesn't get much better or tougher.

"I don't know anything about Driver but I've played against a lot of good, fast wingers in England and coped.

"Tynecastle will be another new experience and this is a game we must win. We can't afford to slip up again, especially after losing at Falkirk."

Dons boss Calderwood admitted he is disappointed midfielder Gary McDonald isn't back for the Tynecastle trip after a hip injury.

He said: "I expected Gary to be fit but he was still in a bit of discomfort. We could have forced it but with a lot of big games coming up we have decided not to risk him in this one or against East Fife."

Taken from the Daily Record