It's all systems go for the game against Cyprus now. We had a meeting with the manager earlier and he explained the team to us. It's a strong starting line-up and we're confident of getting a good result.

We've done our homework and feel we know a lot about what we will be up against tonight.

A few of the uncapped lads will be keeping fingers crosed that they are involved but that might depend on how the match unfolds.

Whatever happens, it's been a great experience for me personally and one that will remain with me for a long time to come.

I'm sure there will be butterflies in the stomach at tonight's match, particularly if I have the chance to come off the bench - but they probably won't compare to what I'll be feeling on Sunday morning as the Hearts squad participates in the annual Remembrance Service.

Recent years have seen the ceremony take place at Tynecastle Stadium but, despite the ongoing tram works, this year it goes ahead at the Haymarket site closest to the natural home of War Memorial.

The club has asked me to do a recital and I was only too pleased to accept the offer. Prior to my surprise call-up to the squad for Cyprus, it was my firm intention to use this week to learn the passage so I could read it off by heart but that plan has had to be shelved.

I had still planned to take a copy with me on the plane but with the mad rush to meet up at the team hotel, I completely forgot.

The kind of person I am I don't tend to do things by half and want to give it my best shot so I asked my wife to email it to me. I have been going over it in my room and I am determined to do it justice on Sunday as it such a significant event for the club.

It's big pressure to get it right on the day and I'm hoping everything goes okay as I know how much the day means to everyone associated with the club.

I didn't want to just stand up there on Sunday and read something off a bit of paper but circumstances mean that's what I'll have to do. I'll be thinking about nothing else during the drive through from the west on Sunday morning and here's hoping I can do the ceremony proud.

It's important we remember all those who gave their lives in conflict, and that's why I think it was the right decision for FIFA to back down over their stance on the poppy for the games this weekend.

On HeartsTV, don't miss exclusive interviews with Tynecastle No. 1 Marian Kello and manager Paulo Sergio.