Laszlo rues the one that got away and admits emotional pull of Hibs was too strong for Riordan

Published on Saturday 18 October 2008 20:15

HEARTS manager Csaba Laszlo has conceded the emotional pull of returning to Hibs convinced Derek Riordan to opt for Easter Road over Tynecastle when he left Celtic.

Going into today's first Edinburgh derby of the season, Laszlo is wary of the threat posed by the revitalised striker who has scored three goals in four games since rejoining his first club.

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov is known to be a big fan of the Scotland cap, and Laszlo admitted Hearts made a serious attempt to entice Riordan to Gorgie before the transfer window shut.

"Yes, it was a possibility he could have come here," said Laszlo. "But Derek decided to go to Hibs. He played for Hibs and I think it was also an emotional decision. He has stayed very close to Hibs. You must respect that decision and I don't have any problems with this. At the moment he is scoring a lot of goals and he is dangerous."

Hearts have been lifted by the return of Andrew Driver for this afternoon's game after seven weeks out with an Achilles injury, although the winger may not last the full 90 minutes.

"I'd be happy to get anything in the game," Driver said. "I've been out for seven weeks and you just want to get back playing. I'm not 100% but at least I'll be fresh and I'll give as much as I can for the team, for as long as I get. It's obviously a game I want to play in."