Ex-Hearts star McLaren says Driver can be new talisman

Published on Thursday 5 November 2009 08:52

FORMER Hearts defender Alan McLaren has identified Andy Driver as the principal threat to Hibs on Saturday, stressing that the winger has similar talismanic qualities to those which made John Robertson an Edinburgh derby icon.

Robertson scored 27 times in all against Hibs during his career and played alongside McLaren during Hearts' 23-game unbeaten run against their Capital rivals in the 1990s.

McLaren believes Driver represents the hosts' main goalscoring source this weekend as they attempt to reduce the 11-point deficit between themselves and Hibs.

"Andy Driver I think is the main threat for Hearts," he said. "Someone with pace and ability who likes to run at people. Hopefully he can be the trump card that Robbo was for us.

"Out of those 23 games there was quite a few we went into not in great form but we always thought: 'This is the springboard'.

"Going into a derby we always had Robbo, that was the trump card. He didn't do much running but he always scored.

"The lads at Hearts desperately need a result. Their rivals are racing ahead of them.

"Everyone would like a prolific scorer to get you goals. Hearts are having to spread them out because they don't have one at the moment. I'm sure Csaba's working to get one in. If Christian Nade was to get a goal, maybe it could kickstart his season.

"This game could be the springboard towards the higher end of the league and I think Hearts desperately need that."

McLaren also pinpointed Hearts captain Michael Stewart as a potentially influential figure for the younger members of the squad.

"The atmosphere will get their blood going," added McLaren. "The tackles will be more fierce but you have to try to compose yourself and play the game the manager wants.

"You have to try and channel your enthusiasm. There should be enough experience within the dressing room to try and pass on some advice.

"Michael Stewart has played for Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. He can try to tell the boys to keep a lid on the emotions and channel the adrenaline in the right way."