Source: Eurosport
Driver happy to be out of pocket
Hearts winger Andrew Driver is not concerned about losing "a fortune" on holidays to Barbados and Las Vegas if it means he gets a chance to shine for England in the upcoming European Under-21 Championship.
Driver, not expecting to make the final 23-man squad for the tournament in Sweden, had booked a trip away with his girlfriend and cannot be refunded despite not going. Helping England to glory, however, would be adequate compensation.
"It was unexpected," the 21-year-old admitted. "I was ready for my holidays. I was off to Barbados with my girlfriend and I'd booked Las Vegas too so I've lost a fortune. But I'm delighted."
He added: "I thought my chance had gone. I made the final 40 but then I had a wee injury and I thought that was it.
"This is my chance to improve, play with quality players. It's a chance to put my name out in the open in a bigger tournament.
"No disrespect to the Scottish League, which has been great for me, but probably a lot of people have looked at the squad and not known who I am."
Driver, a left-winger who describes himself as "a direct player who likes to get at the full-back", grew up in Oldham but later moved to Edinburgh when his father found a job there.
In the last year Hearts have rejected bids from Burnley and Coventry for him, but Driver admits it would be harder to turn down a move to the Premier League should a club come calling this summer.
"At the moment, I'm very happy in Edinburgh," he said. "It would have to be a very good move because I'm in my comfort zone at the moment. But it's harder to get noticed up there. The European Championship is a massive stage and the whole world will be watching. It's a chance for everyone to achieve something.
"I want to show myself as good as I can be and get my first cap for the under-21s. I'm learning so much off the players here and that will help me get a move south. The professionalism has been brilliant in the squad and (manager) Stuart Pearce has been brilliant. The players are all really sound, normal guys and everyone has been very welcoming."
