‘Berra is pivotal to Jambos Euro bid’

CHRISTOPHE BERRA can make up for his Scotland hurt by helping to fire Hearts back into Europe, according to Jambos team-mate Jon McLaughlin.

Tynecastle skipper Berra was part of the Scots line-up which saw hopes of reaching next summer’s World Cup crumble in Slovenia.

McLaughlin knows Berra will be feeling low but believes grabbing a Europa League slot at the end of this season could be the perfect way to lift his spirits.

“Christophe is obviously very disappointed,” said the keeper. “It was a long international campaign for him and it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster.

“It’s bitterly disappointing the way it’s ended for Christophe and the lads involved in the national team.

“They obviously know the damage was done a lot earlier on in the campaign but their recent form was good.

“They are unbeaten in seven and felt as a squad they were good enough. It’s never easy at international level.

“But with Christophe’s age and experience, he will move on from that and concentrate fully on Hearts now.

He added: “Could qualifying for Europe with us help sooth his pain and give him a new focus? Well that’s just it.

“Whenever you face one disappointment you’ve got to look for other ways to combat that. You think, ‘How can I pick myself up?’ - so you want to give yourself another focus, another drive.”