Jordan plays down Hearts clash

06 August 2011 09:00

Joe Jordan expects any Scotland versus England rivalry to be confined to the stands when Tottenham face Hearts in their Europa League play-off tie.

The 'Battle of Britain' tag is bound to be utilised extensively in the run-up to the first leg clash which takes place at Tynecastle on August 18. However, the former Scotland striker, now assistant to Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane, does not believe the players will get caught up too much in the historical cross-border rivalry.

"Hearts have a good contingent of foreign players and so do we," said Jordan.

"So that (Scotland v England) aspect will be with the supporters, that's how they will look at it, they will enjoy that and it will give the tie some added spice. But the players have played all over the world and it will be all about winning the tie and going through to the next round."

While debate continues down south as to the merits of European club football's second-tier competition, Jordan insists Spurs will be taking the tie seriously.

"You can't predict what is going to happen but certainly we will play the strongest team that we can. We played over 10 months to get into the competition," he said.

Regardless of which side Redknapp decides to bring to Edinburgh, Tynecastle will be a sell-out for a tie that has already caught the imagination of the Scottish public.

The Gorgie ground is generally accepted to provide one of the best atmospheres in Scottish football but Jordan insists the Tottenham players will not be fazed.

"Tynecastle is very similar to White Hart Lane," the former Leeds and Manchester United player said.

"They are two traditional and compact stadiums which have been in the same place for years although they both have been upgraded. So in that respect there is a lot in common. But our players play in big stadiums all over Europe so that won't be a problem."

Source: PA