Back to business

The Jambos’ keeper was selected by national team boss Steve Clarke for Scotland’s Hampden double-header against Cyprus and Spain following a string of impressive performances between the posts for Hearts.
 
There’s no danger of Zander’s mind being elsewhere, however, with the big goalkeeper underlining the need to get back to business in the cinch Premiership as the men in maroon look to push for another tilt at third place.
 
"Yeah, I'm obviously delighted to see my name within that pool of players,” he told the media in his press conference.
 
“A target I set myself when I joined the club was to play enough games to give the manager (Steve Clarke) food for thought.
 
"I've played a heck of a lot more games than I was anticipating but I'm delighted to go away and represent my country. What happens at camp with Scotland will take care of itself: the first thing we have to deal with is a massive game for Hearts at club level.”
 
The league represents Hearts’ sole objective for the remainder of the campaign following last week’s Scottish Cup exit to Celtic. The tantalising prospect of a return to European football is keenly sought after by Jambos everywhere.
 
Although disappointed not to be heading to the national stadium in the cup, Zander is determined to help deliver more European days for the fans by trying to seal another third placed finish.
 
"It's one we'll have to be bang at and ready for,” he added.
 
“The fans love their European away days, and Tynecastle was always rocking in the group stage. It's something we want to push towards again. Those experiences are different class, a different level. If we can keep churning out performances and results to try and secure that, then that will be excellent.
 
"The Celtic game was disappointing; it was a chance for us to get back to Hampden. This club's had a history of getting to finals, but it wasn't to be. Obviously, it was a tough one, but all our focus has to be back on league business. As cliched as it sounds, you do need to take it one game at a time in football.
 
"Aberdeen will be right at it at home. We'll have our own approach to the game, and then it's down to the eleven that the manager picks to cross the white line and do the best that we can.”