Season 2004/05 is beginning to prove a mouth watering prospect for all jam tarts followers. The aquisition of defender Jamie McAllister could be the final piece of the defensive jigsaw at Tynecastle. The left-back signed a 2-year contract and will slot in at the left-back position, where Hearts were found wanting last season. Republic of Ireland Internationalist Alan Maybury filled in the left back slot for most of last season, but as he isn't a naturally left-sided player, he was sometimes found drifting inwards and leaving the left flank exposed.
Craig Gordon won his first cap at Easter Road in May against Trinidad and Tobago, the same day as Jamie McAllister, and the 21 year old did himself proud apart form a couple of nervy moments at the start. This was the perfect end to a superb season for the 6'5" 'keeper.
Steven Presley and Andy Webster are now something of a fixture in the Scotland setup. 30 year old Pressley and 22 year old Webster do a fine job complimenting each other on the park.
Then there's Kevin McKenna, a full internationalist for Canada. McKenna was Craig Leveins first signing. A free signing from Energie Cottbus, Kevin was a must at the time for CL, as Hearts were desperate for a centre half. Funnily enough, McKenna was at Celtic on trial when Levein snapped him up.
Partick Kisnorbo, an Australian international, has played 6 times for his counrty now. At only 22, the Aussie is regarded as one of the most precious young footballing talents from Australia.
Australia haven't needed to rely much on defenders in recent matches, scoring 20+ goals in some of their recent World cup qualifying matches! But when it comes down to the hard games like actually qualifying for a major tournament, this is when the likes of Kisnorbo will be heavily reliant on.
God only knows why midfielder Paul Hartley hasn't been in the Scotland reckoning after putting in some excellent displays for Hearts last term. Maybe Berti Voghts knows something I dont, or else I am lookin too much through maroon-tinted spectacles! But as we know, Scotland aren't exactly oozing class in abundance at the minute, so I reckon Hartley should get his chance for the world cup qualifiers.
Scotland, Canada, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
Not the headiest of nations in world leagues, but if their chances of playing for their respective countries are there for the taking, it can only be a good thing for Hearts. Also, not many teams in the SPL can boast as many full internationalists.
Craig Gordon won his first cap at Easter Road in May against Trinidad and Tobago, the same day as Jamie McAllister, and the 21 year old did himself proud apart form a couple of nervy moments at the start. This was the perfect end to a superb season for the 6'5" 'keeper.
Steven Presley and Andy Webster are now something of a fixture in the Scotland setup. 30 year old Pressley and 22 year old Webster do a fine job complimenting each other on the park.
Then there's Kevin McKenna, a full internationalist for Canada. McKenna was Craig Leveins first signing. A free signing from Energie Cottbus, Kevin was a must at the time for CL, as Hearts were desperate for a centre half. Funnily enough, McKenna was at Celtic on trial when Levein snapped him up.
Partick Kisnorbo, an Australian international, has played 6 times for his counrty now. At only 22, the Aussie is regarded as one of the most precious young footballing talents from Australia.
Australia haven't needed to rely much on defenders in recent matches, scoring 20+ goals in some of their recent World cup qualifying matches! But when it comes down to the hard games like actually qualifying for a major tournament, this is when the likes of Kisnorbo will be heavily reliant on.
God only knows why midfielder Paul Hartley hasn't been in the Scotland reckoning after putting in some excellent displays for Hearts last term. Maybe Berti Voghts knows something I dont, or else I am lookin too much through maroon-tinted spectacles! But as we know, Scotland aren't exactly oozing class in abundance at the minute, so I reckon Hartley should get his chance for the world cup qualifiers.
Scotland, Canada, Australia and Republic of Ireland.
Not the headiest of nations in world leagues, but if their chances of playing for their respective countries are there for the taking, it can only be a good thing for Hearts. Also, not many teams in the SPL can boast as many full internationalists.