... I DIDN’T WANT TO INTERRUPT THE PARTY
Cathro claims jubilant rival was not snubbed
IAN CATHRO insists he didn’t shake Peterhead gaffer Jim McInally’s hand after Hearts’ Betfred Cup humbling as it would have disturbed the giaintkillers’ celebrations.
McInally called the Hearts boss disrespectful but Cathro is adamant there was no malice intended and doesn’t feel the need to apologise.
Cathro, whose side host Dunfermline in their final Group B match today, said: “After the game I turned and walked like everyone does to see the opposition manager.
“At that point they were still in the middle of their celebrations. I lingered for a split second but was naturally disappointed at that point.
“So rather than wait any longer I went inside because I was dealing with my own things, my own team and my own priorities.
“I missed Jim in that situation and when I went to do the media I know the staff went to see Jim specifically, congratulated Peterhead and wished them well this weekend.
“They are also at a point where they can qualify so well done to them. I have no negative reaction to that. I have no problem.
“I don’t know Jim personally but I certainly remember him at Dundee United when I was a young boy watching them.
“Jim was a top player and I have no desire to be anything other than positive about him and his team.
“Would I call him? No. I have no problem but everybody has phones.
“There are circumstances around these things. It doesn’t automatically mean malice or wrong behaviour. I didn’t have the intention of walking up to disrupt the party. I was there and I didn’t wait around for five minutes. It was by no means an intentional act.
“I also have no problem with them celebrating the fact they won the game. I’m not saying that.
“The whole after-match drink thing doesn’t exist in Portugal and Spain. Greeting the opposition before and after the game is the same the world over.
“Is the drink thing a good idea? I’m not overly fussed about it.
“Some people will have the opinion I should have stood there and waited. Other people might say you shouldn’t have your party before you have shaken the opposition manager’s hand.
“Everybody is allowed to have their own opinion. I have commented on the situation to give a backdrop to it and that apart I don’t really care.”
Arnaud Djoum insists this summer’s Confederations Cup has whetted his appetite to reach the top levels of the game.
The Cameroon midfielder said: “The Confederations Cup was a very good experience as I came up against players like Julian Draxler, Emre Can, Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez.
“I want to achieve things and get to the highest level. I still have two years on my contract and if a club comes for me and Hearts are happy we can reach a solution.
“If not I would be happy to stay here as well because Hearts gave me the chance to show myself and become a national team player.”
Lee Ashcroft loves Tynecastle’s intimidating atmosphere but he insists Dunfermline will be doing all they can to ensure it is Hearts feeling the heat this afternoon.
The Dunfermline defender said: “Tynecastle is definitely my favourite place to play. I’ve played there a couple of times for Kilmarnock and absolutely loved it.
“It’s quite intimidating. You obviously get your insults and so on but it creates a really good atmosphere.
“We won 4-0 in my first game there so I’m looking forward to going back. It’s a big game for us.”
Some people will have the opinion that I should have stood there and waited IAN CATHRO