Hearts: Barr pledges to prove his worth to Jefferies

HEARTS defender Darren Barr today insisted he will not be written off despite a disappointing first season at Tynecastle and pledged to prove his capability during the remaining two years of his contract.

After recovering from hernia surgery, Barr is determined to play before the end of the season and thus remind manager Jim Jefferies of what he can offer.

Since arriving on a pre- contract agreement from Falkirk last summer, the 26-year-old has been troubled by loss of form and injury.

He stressed his commitment to Hearts, however, and fully intends making up for lost time.

"I've only been here a year and it hasn't gone as I'd have liked it," he said. "The hernia's killed me more than anything, but I'm here for another two years and I want to show what I've got.

"It's not the start I'd like, but people are there to support you. You just want to make a name for yourself at the club. As a defender, it might not be quickly. There are a lot of good players here, good competition."

Barr admitted that his own performances had fallen below the standard expected at Hearts, which led to him dropping out of the first team. With the team on a breathtaking run of form, he was forced to watch from the sidelines and has no intention of repeating that next season.

"I'm coming back from injury now and want to play. We've got a good run-in and hopefully we can seal third place," he said. "At the start of the season, the results didn't go as well but I felt as if I was doing okay.

"I had a few bad games, but then the boys went on a good run so I can't complain that way. I'm 26 now and just really want to kick on in my career. I just want to play football."

As Barr's injury problems subside, Suso Santana's have increased. The Spaniard has been unable to alleviate pain from his knee in recent weeks and will not play again this season after undergoing an operation.

"The more he's tried it, the more damage he's caused. The result was he went for an operation," said manager Jim Jefferies. "Andrew Driver is in a similar situation. It might be he can go in next week and get done as well."

Driver is in the squad for today's SPL match at Kilmarnock but may require surgery before the season is over.