Rest And Be Thankful

Nov 11 2007 By Mark Guidi

Superfit Hartley Is Grateful To Strachan For Extended Holiday

PAUL HARTLEY reckons he is playing the best football of his career - and it is all down to Gordon Strachan's insistence he have an extended summer holiday.

The Celtic midfielder was jaded after two years without a break when boss Strachan told him to take extra rest to give his mind and body proper healing time.

Now Hartley, a £1.2million January signing from Hearts, feels fresh and his game has reached a new level, playing consistently well in the holding midfield role.

The 31-year-old was superb against Benfica last Tuesday and said: "I know I had some good times at Hearts where I was more of an attacking threat but I feel now I'm playing as well as ever in the new, deeper position.

"Things are going great and I'm enjoying it. It takes time to settle at a club the size of Celtic and expectations are high.

"This season has been great for me after getting an extended rest in summer and kicking on from there.

"The manager's phone call to giveme an extra 10 days has worked. I was tired at the end of the last campaign and had not had a break for a couple of seasons.

"My fitness levels are now as high as they've ever been - and I feel that in every game.

"It's good to be part of a winning Celtic team and I hope we qualify again for the last 16 of the Champions League.

"The win against Benfica has given us a real chance. We have Artur Boruc to thank again as he produced important saves at crucial times.

"It's a massive three points and we need to make them count in our next two games."

Before he is back on Champions League duty Hartley will play for Scotland against Italy on Saturday.

A victory will guarantee qualification for Euro 2008 and Hartley believes Alex McLeish's side can upset the world champions.

He said: "There is pressure on us to win this game and we all want to get to the finals.

"If you need a point that can cause a bit of confusion. But we know we need to win and that's exactly what we will try to do.

"We've defeated France twice and Ukraine at home so why not Italy?

"I know they are the world champions but ACMilan - the Champions League holders - came to Celtic Park last month and we won so there's no reasonwhy Scotland can't beat the Azzurri.

"We're playing without any fear and have a squad capable of winning important matches.

"It will be the biggest game of my career. If the manager wants to use me in the holding midfield role thatwill be fine."

Hartley can't believe the results Scotland have picked up and said: "When the draw was made I thought 'Can we finish third or fourth?'

"We knew France, Italy and Ukraine were top teams and it would be a big ask to get results against them.

"After beating France at Hampden we thought we had a sneaky chance of causing an upset and our aim was to still have a chance of qualifying going into the last game.

"We're now in that situation and the crowd will make it a special atmosphere.

"But we have to remember the calibre of our opponents. Italy are the masters of playing patient football and getting a draw when they need one.

"However, they will also be feeling the pressure.We must make sure we cause them problems to get the victory."