Webster hoping to end his memorable week on a high

WIN the Scottish Cup by helping Hearts beat Hibs then fly off to Florida to represent Scotland for the first time in over two years. For Andy Webster, this is the perfect week.

Scotland’s friendly with the United States of America takes place in Jacksonville in the early hours of Sunday. At that time last week, Webster and his Hearts colleagues were partying long into the morning as the domestic season ended with a euphoric 5-1 victory in the all-Edinburgh cup final.

Having recovered from the parties and parades, the defender’s focus now shifts to an international return. To say he is high on confidence would be an understatement. “It’s a bit like waiting for a bus and two come along at once,” said Webster.

“The cup final was probably one of the biggest games that any of us had been involved in, with it being a derby match and all of the history that went with it. It was the first trophy for Hearts in a while, so it was a great day for everyone involved with club.

“Then having the opportunity to be involved with the Scotland squad again, it has been a good couple of weeks to say the least. When you’ve not been involved for a while you really appreciate it because it does mean a lot to be called up.

“Fundamentally I’ve not had the chance to be involved over the last few years because of injuries, but after playing a lot of games this season I hope to stay injury-free and be involved more regularly.”

March 3, 2010, was the last time the 30-year-old donned a national team jersey’s in a 1-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic. It was Craig Levein’s first match in charge and Webster expressed his gratitude to the manager who signed him at Hearts for recalling him to the Scotland squad.

“Craig brought me to Hearts a long time ago. I enjoyed my time at the club then, when I was a younger player making my way in the game. I worked with him again when I went to Dundee United on loan when I was a bit older and more experienced, and I am looking forward to working with him on the international scene.

“The squad is quite different from the last time I was involved, but generally you know the majority of players having played with them or against them. I think the standard of the squad has definitely improved over the last few years, there are far more players playing at a higher level.

“This week together is very important for us. If a team spend a lot of time with each other that kind of unity shows when you are on the park.”

Webster has previous against the USA, for his only international goal came in a friendly between the two nations at Hampden Park in November 2005.

“The game against USA was a few years ago now, but my main memory of course is scoring the goal,” he told the Scottish FA website.

“Those don’t come along very often, so it was a very enjoyable game for me. I would be delighted if I got the opportunity to pick up my next cap against them on Saturday.”