Slovak boss flies in to assess Hearts' Kello for cap

SLOVAKIA'S national coach Vladimir Weiss intends to travel to Glasgow this Saturday to assess Marian Kello in action for Hearts against Rangers, with a view to naming the goalkeeper in his squad for February's friendly with Luxembourg.

Kello's outstanding performances this season have been noted in his homeland and he was placed on standby for Slovakia's recent friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Weiss has monitored the 28-year-old's progress with interest and believes he deserves a first international cap.

Kello's four consecutive clean sheets during November underpinned Hearts' rise to third place in the SPL table as Hibernian, Celtic, St Johnstone and Hamilton were defeated convincingly. The goalkeeper also produced a breathtaking penalty save from Hamilton's Simon Mensing in his last outing. A proud Slovakian, he is desperate to impose himself at international level and should have a prime opportunity to impress this weekend.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking exclusively to the Evening News, Weiss said today: "Probably I will come to watch Rangers against Hearts. I have not been to Scotland to watch Kello yet and I have not spoken with anybody about him.

"I am watching Scottish games on television often. Kello is supporting his team. I know him from his time in Lithuania. I watch him and he is competitive."

Asked if Kello would be in the squad to face Luxembourg, Weiss added: "Yes, he has a chance. It will be the only opportunity before qualification games, so I will see."

Related topics: