Hearts keeper Kello in line for a cap call

Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, Weiss explained that Kello's outstanding club form this season has been noted in his homeland and declared him possibly the finest goalkeeper in Scotland at the moment.

The 28-year-old recorded eight clean sheets during Hearts' recent 11-game unbeaten league run, pompting his promotion to the Slovakian national squad which will be officially announced next week.

Weiss hinted that Kello could even become a future international No.1 and urged him to take his chance on February 9 when Slovakia visit the Stade Josy Barthel in Luxembourg City.

"Kello is in the nomination against Luxembourg because he is a good goalkeeper," said Weiss, a managerial target for Hearts in summer 2008. "The number one for me is Jan Mucha but he is sitting on the bench at Everton. That is not an easy situation for him. I will maybe give Kello a chance against Luxembourg. Every player in the squad has the chance to play.

"I know Kello because two-and-a-half years ago I was in talks with Mr Romanov. I was prepared to join Hearts and there was a contract but I preferred to join the Slovakian national team.

"Kello, at that time, was at the Lithuanian club (FBK Kaunas). I saw him in training and then he signed a contact with Hearts. I know him from Kosice and also from his time in the Czech Republic (with FC Viktovice). He is playing very well and I can say he is now a hero at Hearts. He may be the best goalkeeper in Scotland right now. "It is not easy when you are a good goalkeeper at Hearts to become 100 per cent the number one in the Slovak national team. Mucha is a fantastic goalkeeper but it is difficult for him at Everton. He is still our number one. He has been fantastic in the group and he was fantastic in the World Cup. But Kello is also interesting. He can fight to be number two or maybe number one in the future. You never know. He is a good goalkeeper and I hope he will come to Luxembourg and take the chance."