Hearts boss keen to push the off button on the Old Firm

Published on Saturday 29 November 2008 10:01

HEARTS boss Csaba Laszlo admits that he is fed up being overshadowed by the Old Firm but he knows that the only people who can take the limelight off the Glasgow clubs are his own players.

Laszlo's side were due to play host to Rangers in the televised lunchtime clash today but Laszlo wishes that the cameras would venture through to Edinburgh a little more often.

The Old Firm always attract the lion's share of attention from both the TV cameras and supporters but Laszlo is hoping that his side can go some way to proving their own merits today.

Prior to today's game, Hearts had won their last four SPL matches and he would love to keep that vein of successful form going and keep the spotlight on his side by outwitting the media pundits.

He added: "It is only my opinion but in Scottish football and on the television it is always Rangers, Celtic, Celtic, Celtic, Rangers and Celtic again.

"The other teams are mentioned maybe only one or two times – and sometimes only if they are playing a game against either Rangers or Celtic.

"You don't ever see on the television a game against for example Inverness against Motherwell or Dundee United against Aberdeen or Aberdeen against Hearts. One time I would like to see the television take a Hearts game when they are not playing the Old Firm."

Despite his frustration at being forced into the background by the Glasgow sides, Laszlo has the utmost respect for Rangers manager Walter Smith.

However he won't be doing his opposite number any favours: "Walter is a nice guy, I have met him two or three times and we spoke about football and he has a good football knowledge. I have a big respect for him as a person but we both have our own teams and will try to get the best out of them.

"My message to all of coaches is that I respect them, but especially Walter Smith. He is the guy I think has most experience of them all and he was also the national coach and had very good performances when he was in charge of Scotland.

"I read in the newspapers that he will not be staying as the manager if he does not win the league this season. I think he is a very nice guy but in this game, although I like Walter, I won't be helping him."