Ibrahim walking tall as fans' choice

Published on Wednesday 2 January 2008 09:27

IBRAHIM TALL leads the People's Choice voting among Hearts supporters at the half-way stage of the season and the fact that he does is a testament to the manner in which the defender has bounced back from a difficult start to his Tynecastle career.

The Senegal international endured a nightmare eight-month wait to make his debut – a situation which was never fully explained.

But he's gone on to defy his critics and has turned in a number of highly-impressive displays in maroon.

His versatility has made him a key performer for the Tynecastle team and he can operate at either centre-half, right-back or in midfield although it is in the heart of defence where he looks most assured. Despite not being particularly tall he is good in the air and has even chipped in with three goals so far this term.

His contract is due to expire at the end of this season which may have something to do with why he has found himself out of the team during the club's alarming slump in form of late.

And Hearts fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that a deal can be struck to keep him in Gorgie as they look to retain their better performers.

Andrius Velicka, who has found himself on the bench many times this season, finds himself in second spot. With our chart only including games in which players have started, it proves how keen Hearts fans are to see the Lithuanian striker in the Jam Tarts' first XI.

Meanwhile, one of the main reasons behind the Jambos' dreadful run of form this season has been their inconsistency in team selection – particularly in the goalkeeping department.

Anthony Basso, and in particular Eduardas Kurskis, pictured, have both endured shaky moments with the Lithuanian simply looking unable to meet the demands of the SPL.

It is somewhat ironic then that Steve Banks, the man most people feel should be between the sticks, is one of the players running Tall closest in the voting. The Englishman always proved an able deputy for Craig Gordon and the Scotland internationalist's departure to Sunderland looked to have paved the way for Banks to claim the No.1 jersey on a permanent basis. However, despite a number of faultless displays the player/goalkeeping coach has found himself sidelined recently as the Hearts coaching staff continue to bemuse supporters by rotating their keepers.

Next comes a player who many supporters were initially angry to see signed by the club over the summer.

After enduring a nightmare first spell at Hearts, Michael Stewart enjoyed two fine seasons at Hibs yet Hearts fans far from welcomed him back with open arms.

Yet his committed and skilful displays in the middle of the park have seen him not only win over those in the Gorgie stands but also push himself into the Scotland B squad.

He has eclipsed last season's fans' favourite Laryea Kingston and, should he continue his fine form, he may also be rewarded with a return to the Scotland set-up.

PLAYERS' AVERAGE MARKS SO FAR THIS TERM

Ibrahim Tall 7.00

Andrius Velicka 6.54

Steve Banks 6.50

Eggert Jonsson 6.4

Michael Stewart 6.28

Andy Driver 6.13

Larry Kingston 6.1

Ruben Palazuelos 6

Christophe Berra 5.88

Audrius Ksanavicius 5.85

Lee Wallace 5.83

Marius Zaliukas 5.6

Jose Goncalves 5.44

Christian Nade 5.44

Anthony Basso 5.00

Robbie Neilson 4.55

Kestutis Ivaskevicius 4.33

* Based on SPL starts. Players must have started at least five games to be eligible.