Andy Driver vows to rediscover best form at Hearts

HEARTS winger Andy Driver today outlined his determination to rediscover the form which made him a Tynecastle talisman, admitting there is much more to come between now and the season’s end.

The 24-year-old pledged to prove that he can reproduce the performances which saw him idolised by supporters before injuries interrupted his progress. Thigh and knee problems plaguing him for over two years subsided last summer and Driver said he is only now nearing full match fitness.

His aim between now and May is to improve his touch and sharpness and show he has lost none of the talent which regularly brought a host of English-based scouts to Edinburgh to watch him.

“The fact I’ve been playing in the team is the pleasing point,” he said. “I’ve not shown my best ability yet but I feel like the more games I get, the better I’ll get. I’m starting to feel a little bit better now. Basically, I’ve just got to keep working hard. Things aren’t all coming together at once but if I keep plugging away, things will start to turn for the better for me.

“I haven’t played 90 minutes many times so I need to keep working towards that. In the past, it hasn’t taken this long but I haven’t played consistently for a long time now. It must be over two years. I’m just happy being considered and getting games. Even if I’m not playing I try to work hard in training and get something out of every day. I always prepare for games as if I’m going to play.”

Driver is in contention to start at Ibrox on Saturday, and Hearts remain hopeful that Marius Zaliukas, Ian Black and Adrian Mrowiec will all be available to face Rangers. “We’re hopeful the lads will be okay,” first-team coach Gary Locke told the club website.

“It’s early in the week so we’ll just have to wait and see. We’ll give them every chance.”

Meanwhile, David Templeton is expected to miss out again due to the groin problem which precluded him from last weekend’s match with Dundee United.