Driver: Only something special could tempt me away from Hearts

Published on Thursday 7 May 2009 09:44

ANDY DRIVER insists only a "very good" offer could persuade him to leave Hearts this summer in light of increasing interest from Coventry City.

The winger, who is under contract at Tynecastle until 2013, considers the lure of European football as a massive incentive to remain in Gorgie next season.

Coventry chairman Ray Ranson and manager Chris Coleman will attend tonight's Edinburgh derby to watch Driver in action and are expected to test Hearts' resolve with a formal offer for his services over the summer.

The player spoke exclusively to the Evening News today to clarify his future. Without dismissing out of hand the prospect of being transferred, he remains determined to participate in the inaugural UEFA Europa League with Hearts next season.

Only offers which exceeded 2million would be considered by Vladimir Romanov for the 21-year-old and Coventry believe they can offer an alluring financial package to tempt him south to the English Championship.

Driver, though, maintains it would take something special to convince him to leave Edinburgh.

"It would have to be a very good offer for me to move. I'm happy at Hearts and I won't be rushing away," he said. "Europe next season will be a massive incentive to stay, something I'd like to experience at this club.

"It's for the money men to talk. If anyone makes a bid, it's nothing to do with me until the day comes when Hearts tell me they've accepted an offer. It's not something I've considered, even with all the speculation that's been going around. I've just tried to keep my head down and improve.

"Obviously, you want to get to the top of the game and play at the highest level. I've got to think about the best way for me to do that. I don't know whether it's to go to the Championship or not. It's up to me to make sure I'm too good not to get there. I feel I can do that at Hearts.

"I feel, the way the team is progressing, that I can progress with the team."

Driver is determined not to become distracted by the presence of spies from other clubs and pledged to remain focused this evening.

"No talks about anything will distract me before the end of the season. I'm only bothered about getting results and securing third place," he continued.

"I get told virtually before every game that someone is watching. I had to play through it in January when I had people watching me all the time, I just brush it to the back of my mind. I don't think about anything like that when I'm playing, especially not against Hibs.

"In a derby it's all about the team, you are there to win the game. You don't take yourself into consideration."

Meanwhile, Bulgarian teenager Branimir Kostadinov was released by Hearts yesterday and is now seeking a new club.