Hearts hero knew Lee was a rising son

Published on Wednesday 7 October 2009 10:12

WHEN Takis Fyssas sauntered into Riccarton on a balmy summer's day in 2005, one of his first utterances was to Lee Wallace. "Come and train with me. You're going to be the future left-back of the Scottish national team," he told the reclusive teenager.

Four years on, the prophecy is finally nearing reality. Wallace's belated call-up by national coach George Burley for Scotland's friendly with Japan provides a window of opportunity which the player is eager to seize. Whether he ought to have been included in the original squad ahead of Celtic's Danny Fox matters little now. In Yokohama City on Saturday, he will intend showcasing his inescapable talent on the international stage, just as Fyssas predicted back in July 2005.

Then 32, Fyssas arrived at Hearts as one of Burley's first signings during his brief tenure as manager. Recruiting one of Europe's most accomplished left-backs 12 months on from his Euro 2004 success with Greece made the entire Continent sit up and take note of Vladimir Romanov's revolution. Fyssas' stature in the game had peaked, reflected in a 10,000-a-week contract, but he was eager to impart some expertise during his twilight years. Wallace represented the ideal candidate to bring under his wing.

Seventeen, immensely talented and ambitious, he had already sampled first-team football under John Robertson earlier that year. Fyssas instantly recognised an international defender in the making and set about moulding the shy Wallace in his own image.

"I was two years at Hearts and I was playing in his position. He was very young and I told him to train with me from the first day I saw him because he was going to be the future left-back for the Scottish national team," said the Greek, who left Tynecastle on freedom of contract in 2007 and is now technical director of his national football association.

"I told him he had to be patient because I'm Takis Fyssas, I have to play, I'm the European champion. I said, 'wait one or two seasons and the position will be free for you'. I saw that he had talent and I liked him as soon as I arrived. He is a good left-footer, he is fast with the ball and he has courage to go one against one. He is also a good defender and that is the first thing you must do as a left-back.

"Since I left I hear that he is playing all the time and I believe that, if he keeps progressing like this, he is going to have a great career."

Having waited so long to serve his country – some believe Wallace merited international recognition 12 months ago – there is a danger of the player, now 22, being overanxious to impress Burley in the Far East. Other candidates for Scotland's left-back slot include Gary Naysmith, Callum Davidson, Kirk Broadfoot, Steven Whittaker and the aforementioned Fox. With the exception of Naysmith, Wallace would be rated as a more reliable option than all of the above given his distinguished displays with Hearts over the last year.

However, his maiden call-up has arrived by default after Fox withdrew from Burley's original squad through injury. This makes the opportunity somewhat more precious. "I think this moment is best for him. His chance is right now and he has to take it," continued Fyssas. "I learned in my life to take every opportunity that comes. For Lee, right now is the best moment to show everyone he has the ability and the mind to play international football.

"The person who knows best is Mr George Burley. I respect him a lot from playing at Hearts. He is a great coach and he knows best when is the right moment for Lee to come into the Scottish national team. I'm very happy for him that he is there now. Firstly, he's a nice guy and he's a very good footballer. Football players should not only have a good left foot or good technique or be an athlete. All these things are very important but you must have a good mind in your head. You must know how to react to the coach's decisions, how to respect your team-mates, the fans, everything. There is so much to learn, but then the future is yours."

Wallace's off-the-field encounters with the law appear to be behind him. Those close to him put a conviction for firearms offences in May this year down to the "daft laddie" syndrome that afflicts many teenage males regardless of status or occupation. Fyssas is all too aware of the distractions a prospering footballer can encounter and spends his days guarding against them.

"I am technical director of all the Greek national teams," he explained. "I tell all the players at 17 and 18 here that it's not only about being a talented football player. You must think well and live your life properly outside and inside the game. You must be polite with the fans and your coach. Of course there will be moments when you are crazy, but you must keep yourself on the ground. Don't think because you play once for your country that you are a star.

"In my first season at Hearts I gave all my power to help the team take second place and win the Scottish Cup. It was a fantastic moment for me because you have to keep going all the time and set yourself new targets. You never stop."

If Wallace is to hone himself into a future international mainstay, his mentor believes a strong mind and equally reliable support network are essential.

"His family and friends must be close with him and help him to be a sportsman," said Fyssas. "Firstly, it depends on Lee. His mind has to be focused. This chance may never come again. He must grab this and prove to everyone that he is going to be Scotland's left-back."

LEFT AT THE BACK: THE PLAYERS AHEAD OF WALLACE IN SCOTLAND QUEUE

GARY NAYSMITH: Age: 30. Club: Sheffield United. Former Hearts defender is currently sidelined by a knee injury but regarded as Scotland's first-choice left-back when fit.

CALUM DAVIDSON: Age: 33. Club: Preston North End. Recalled by Burley for recent World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Macedonia but did not cover himself in glory, particularly in Oslo.

KIRK BROADFOOT: Age: 25. Club: Rangers. Currently recovering from a foot injury but was selected at left-back ahead of Wallace for last November's friendly with Argentina at Hampden. Why?

STEVEN WHITTAKER: Age: 25. Club: Rangers. Replaced the injured Davidson against Macedonia and coped well on the left. Rightly retained the position against Holland four days later but much more comfortable on the right. In squad for Japan.

DANNY FOX: Age: 23. Club: Celtic. Born in Cheshire, plays 11 games for Celtic and earns a Scotland call-up ahead of Wallace. Again, why?