Webster keen to cement Euro slot as thanks to Hearts

ANDY WEBSTER has revealed his intention to cement a European place with Hearts this season as payback for the opportunity to return to Tynecastle.

The Scotland defender, who rejoined the club last week after being released by Rangers, is available for selection this weekend as Hearts visit Hamilton in the SPL looking to consolidate third place in the league table.

Holding a 12-point advantage over fourth-placed Kilmarnock, the Edinburgh club are strong contenders for a slot in next season's Europa League qualifying rounds.

Webster is determined to help realise that prospect having last sampled European football more than six years ago when Hearts entertained Csaba Laszlo's Ferencvaros at Murrayfield.

Asked if Europe was the club's priority, he replied: "Of course it is. Like any team, you always look to what's above you in the league.

There's no point trying to dwell on what's lower down, you want to focus on pushing on and doing well.

"The team has done excellently well up until this point and that's something we'll look to continue.

"Outwith the norm of the SPL, you play European football to pit your wits against teams from across Europe.

"It's something that is an added bonus to doing well in the league."

Whether Webster features at New Douglas Park will be at the discretion of Hearts manager Jim Jefferies. "I'm raring to go. I'll train this week and hope to impress the manager and then it's up to him," said the player, adding that he had no hesitation in rejoining the club.

"I said to the manager before I'd even met him that I knew, before I walked in the door, that he's an excellent manager and well respected.

"His teams are always good. I knew I was going to be impressed by what he said.

"I've been here before and know what the club's all about. It's a great club and it was an easy enough decision for me to make.

"Initially, I went to Rangers and suffered a few injuries. These things happen in football and sometimes it's hard to get out that vicious circle of not playing.

"It was a breath of fresh air last season going away to Dundee United (on loan], I thoroughly enjoyed that. Same again here, hopefully."

At 28, Webster believes his experience can help the younger Hearts players.

"I'm a bit older and a bit wiser now with a bit more experience. The older you get and the more experience you get brings a bit of calmness to your game.

"Hopefully, I can pass that on to some of the younger boys."