Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo today backed former captain Christophe Berra to handle the heat of the Amsterdam ArenA when Scotland take on Holland tomorrow evening in their crunch World Cup qualifier.

The ex-Jambo skipper is set to make his first start for his country when he lines up in the centre of defence alongside Celtic's Gary Caldwell as George Burley attempts to cope with a raft of injuries to his squad.

Christophe, who has impressed at promotion-chasing Wolves since his big-money January transfer, has made just three substitute appearances for Scotland but will be set his stiffest challenge yet when he lines up against the Dutch in the absence of Stephen McManus.

And Tynecastle chief Csaba is confident the 24-year-old will handle the big occasion, as he told Hearts News Today.

"If he plays this will be a big opportunity for Christophe," he said.

"Tomorrow night is going to be a big test but he has shown he has the right attitude to handle these occasions.

"He has a good head on his young shoulders and although he hasn't started an international before for Scotland, I'm sure that won't bother him."

Csaba saw Christophe grow into his role as Hearts captain this season, the centre-half performing consistently well while shouldering his leadership responsibilities with impressive maturity.

"He proved at Hearts what a good defender he is. He was also a very good captain for us. But he got a chance to move to Wolves which he couldn't resist as he is an ambitious footballer.

"That ambition will see him want to do as well as he possibly can tomorrow against Holland if he plays and I hope he starts the game and does well.

"This is another big step for him and I am sure he is going to be around the national team for a long time to come.

"Holland will be a very tough match for sure but I hope Scotland can get a victory before they play Iceland next week. It would be good for Scottish football if the team could qualify for the World Cup finals and a good result in Amsterdam can keep that dream alive."

On Hearts.TV today, an exclusive interview with Mike Tullberg plus the best of the action from the Reserves' win over Hibs.