Riordan seeks to keep early Hibs form going

Published on Thursday 5 November 2009 21:59

DEREK Riordan was one of the few players named in George Burley's original squad for last month's challenge match in Yokohama who did not pull out, but still the Hibernian striker had to settle for a place on the bench and just 26 minutes of the action as the match ebbed away.

But the player says it was obviously enough, given that he has been included in the 23-man squad for next Saturday's friendly in Cardiff.

"You take what you get," said the 26-year-old. "That was my first time back in the squad in ages and I was just delighted to be back involved. Now I want to get myself back into the team and hopefully I can do that if I keep getting chances, but I have the foot in the door."

For his part, Scotland manager Burley noted: "People say I only played Derek for 20 or 30 minutes, but Derek is a player who has been out of international football for a long time, and I brought him back because he's been doing well for Hibs.

"But he has to keep knuckling down and showing the commitment, and I have to utilise him the way I feel is best. Just because you only use somebody for 20 minutes doesn't necessarily mean that's not enough. Like the others in the squad, Derek might get the opportunity (in Wales]."

Burley said the fact Riordan was being used in what he considers his best position at club level would only enhance his chances of improving his game and featuring in his long-term plans. Pinpointing his strengths as his goalscoring and his ability on the ball, Burley said there were still weaknesses which need addressed. "He has been putting a better shift in this season, and he has to keep doing that," added Burley.

Riordan acknowledged this, saying that while his "defending had never been the best", he felt it had improved since his return to Easter Road.

While Riordan has retained his place in Burley's squad, Lee Miller has been omitted. But there is more competition, in the shape of Kevin Kyle. Burley has selected the Kilmarnock player twice before but, after two call-offs, the international manager hopes it will be a case of third time lucky as he tries to assess what value the big striker could bring to the set-up.

But Riordan is undeterred. The twice-capped player knows that the only way he can influence selection is to maintain or even improve on his current club form, starting with a positive display at Tynecastle tomorrow.

"I love scoring against Hearts and they hate it because they know I am a Hibs fan, but I love playing in the derbies," he said.

It was Riordan who scored the only goal of the game the last time the teams squared up at Tynecastle, in May, and he loves having the ability to influence the capital clashes.

"I used to hate it back in the day as a fan, but as a player it's different, because you are involved. You are out there and you are a part of it and it is up to us to make sure we are part of a winning team," he said.

"When I was younger, I didn't look forward to going to Tynecastle, but I think now we know we have a really good chance of winning because of how well we've done this season, especially going forward."

Last season they went in as the underdogs but sitting second in the SPL they know they should have the upper hand if they match their ability with application and the greater desire.

"We know it will be a hard game. Derbies can swing either way. But the manager gives us confidence and he has us passing the ball a bit more, and we have the players and the right balance to be able to do that."

With Burley watching, maintaining his form should enhance his long-term prospects as well.