Daly the right man to lead Jambos: Robbo

Hearts: Former United team-mate backs Irishman to land Tynecastle role

Scott Robertson is certain his former Dundee United and Raith Rovers teammate Jon Daly will be a big success if he is appointed Hearts boss on a permanent basis.

The big Irishman has been in temporary charge of the Jambos since they parted company with Ian Cathro.

Daly has overseen a defeat at Celtic Park, a draw against Rangers at Ibrox and a win over Kilmarnock.

The 34-year-old former striker will be in charge once again for his side’s trip to Motherwell tomorrow. Hearts are determined to take their time over the appointment with Steven Pressley and former Dundee boss Paul Hartley understood to also be in the frame.

However, Stark’s Park midfielder Robertson is convinced Daly is the right man for the Jambos job.

He said: “I have been texting Jon and he has had some good results.

“He is the kind of player – or rather coach now – that players respect as a person first and foremost and for what he has done in the game.

“It seems to me that he is getting the best out of the Hearts players. I know they have some tough fixtures coming up and I am not sure if he is going to get the job but he is in the running for it.

“If he was to get it, then I am sure he would be a success. He is a great guy and he commands respect.”

Daly, meanwhile, insists he is ready to step up as head coach as the club’s board deliberates over Cathro’s successor.

Chairwoman Ann Budge said in a statement earlier in the week that an announcement would be made on the new head coach next week, and Daly is thought to be one of the frontrunners after impressing in his brief spell in charge.

He said: “I do think I have coped quite well. From a personal point of view, when you get chucked in having never done it before, it’s interesting and different but it’s been enjoyable and I think we’ve handled ourselves quite well.

“I really enjoy working at the football club in whatever capacity they deem fit. It’s a really good football club that’s going places and I’d love to be a part of it whether that’s now or in the future.

“I think I’m ready for first-team management, but I don’t see that being anywhere else other than here.”

At just 34, Daly is the youngest in the frame for the job at Tynecastle, and admits he may still have some people to win over after the failure of the previous regime.

“I could understand the anxiety amongst the board, the fans and that,” he said. “But they just need to look at the reaction we’ve got from the players in a short space of time and take the positives from that.”

He added: “When you look at the previous manager, he was young and it was difficult for him.

“I’ve been in the game from a professional level for 20 years, so I have a decent understanding of what’s expected on the football pitch and how to win games of football.”

He’s the kind of player that players respect as a person first and foremost and for what he has done in the game. SCOTT ROBERTSON

Picture: SNS Group. Jon Daly has impressed during his spell in temporary charge at Tynecastle.