Hearts' Andy's in line to face Brazil, vows Brown

Andy WEBSTER can utilise Hearts' next five games to secure a dramatic return to the Scotland squad for the glamorous friendly with Brazil, according to the club's assistant manager Billy Brown.

With the national team due to face the South Americans at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium next month, and coach Craig Levein short on experienced centre-backs, Webster will be in contention provided his form is steady at club level.

He will start against Dundee United at Tynecastle tomorrow having enjoyed an impressive second Hearts debut at New Douglas Park last weekend following his release from Rangers. Then come fixtures against Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, United again and St Mirren before Scotland meet Brazil in London on Sunday, March 27.

Brown believes the 28-year-old is capable of featuring in that game depending on his performances in the intervening five matches. He pointed out that Levein remains one of Webster's biggest admirers and will be keen to fast track him back into the international fold.

"It's up to Craig but let's be honest, Craig likes Andy Webster," said Brown. "It was Craig who signed him here in the first place and Craig that brought him to United on loan last season. I would think if he is fit and well that there is a chance he could be in that (Scotland squad for Brazil).

"Craig decides who plays in these games but central defenders are not something we are well endowed with at the moment and I would think he must be in Craig's thoughts if he comes through these games.

"Andy has only played the one game and he was quite impressive in that. He's got good stature about him, he's only 28 and he's just reaching his prime. He has got loads of experience now, he has a will about him and an enthusiasm about him to do well. I watched him a lot at Dundee United last season and he was outstanding. I'm sure if he can repeat that here he can get back in the Scotland set-up."

Hearts will be without Kevin Kyle and Calum Elliot tomorrow, while Lee Wallace is a slight doubt due to a bruised ankle bone. Kyle has an outside chance of being fit to face Aberdeen next weekend depending on the effect of injections to remedy his groin problem.

"He's involved in a series of injections at the moment," said Brown. "We're hoping after that we'll see an improvement."