John McGlynn urges Hearts fans to get behind team and have Tynecastle rocking for Liverpool

Published on 22/08/2012 12:00

JOHN McGLYNN today issued a rallying call to Hearts fans, urging them to make Tynecastle a cauldron of terror for Liverpool tomorrow night and help banish the disappointment of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Inverness.

The Hearts manager makes his European debut against the might of the Anfield club in the Europa League play-off and he is eager to have the backing of every supporter. The stadium is a 17,000 sellout and a raucous atmosphere is anticipated.

Saturday’s full-time whistle brought a crescendo of boos after McGlynn’s side sacrificed a two-goal lead to draw with ten-man Inverness. He believes fans can have a huge role to play tomorrow and can help the team overcome the frustrations of the weekend.

“I think everyone knows the European nights are 
special here at Tynecastle and I want to make sure that is the situation again on Thursday,” McGlynn told the Evening 
News.

“We’ll do our absolute utmost on the pitch and if the fans can get behind us we can make it a really good night. We need 
every fan supporting every 
single one of us.

“I understand the fans would have been disappointed leaving the stadium on Saturday after we threw away a 2-0 lead. As much as we’re disappointed, these things happen and it’s very important we regroup and get ready for Thursday night.

“Hopefully the team can put on a performance against a massive football club. It’s certainly one to look forward to.”

McGlynn admits he has a difficult decision to make regarding who should play on the flanks for Hearts. Arvydas Novikovas scored on Saturday while deputising for the suspended David Templeton. However, Templeton is available to play in European competition.

“We have a decision because we have four wide players, taking Jamie Walker into consideration as well,” continued McGlynn. “Arvydas, Driver and Templeton have been playing mostly but we have a decision to make for Thursday.”

Meanwhile, McGlynn welcomed the news that goalkeeper Mark Ridgers, pictured above, does not require knee surgery after injuring his posterior cruciate ligament on Scotland Under-21 duty last week.

“It’s a bonus for the lad that he doesn’t require surgery,” said McGlynn. “It’s a bad enough injury without the need for an operation. So that’s good news for everyone. Hopefully his recovery goes well and to the timescale set by the experts.”