From Hearts News in Barsinghausen, Germany

New international defender Ismael Bouzid last night revealed that his greatest challenge was marking Brazilian sensation Ronaldinho.

The centre half has twelve caps to his name for Algeria, with two stand-out games so far against Brazil and fellow South Americans Argentina.

"I've played 12 times for Algeria against some of the best players in the world," he said.

"We played Argentina and Brazil back to back and all the big stars were on display.

"I was marking Ronaldinho and I was lucky enough to get his top. At the time he was THE big star and everyone wanted his jersey.

"But I was under real pressure from my little brother to get his jersey. Luckily I was marking him and because he's fluent in French from his time at PSG I talked him into swapping.

"My brother was delighted. At the end of the game the camera zoomed in on me swapping tops with Ronaldinho so my brother was happy.

"I also played against Argentina in the Nou Camp and again all the stars were out because they were preparing for the Copa Libatadores. We lost 4-3 and Messi was brilliant but I didn't get his top this time.

"I got Gabriel Henize's jersey instead so it was another nice one for my brother."

Ismael now wants to use these experiences - and hopefully more in the future - to help Hearts in the season ahead.

"Playing against these guys really helps you develop as a player and I hope I can come to Scotland and really kick on with Hearts," he added.

On Hearts.TV today - Watch the first of our exclusive two-part interview with Csaba Laszlo. Listen to audio updates from tonight's game at St Pauli at 5.55pm, plus half-time and full-time via the heartsfc.co.uk home page