Hearts v Schalke 04: Ex-player John Robertson was named head coach of Scottish Premier League side Hearts yesterday ahead of tonight's visitors, 1997 winners Schalke 04.

Robertson, who made his name as a striker at Hearts, has left Premier league rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle to take the post vacated last month by Craig Levein, who departed to take charge at English Championship side Leicester City. The 40-year-old Robertson, who scored 215 league goals for Hearts, had been at Inverness for nearly two years.

Robertson emerged as the supporters' favourite to replace Levein following his success in guiding Caley to the Premier League.

The former Scotland international, who won 16 caps for his country, joined Inverness in December 2002 to replace the Aberdeen-bound Steve Paterson.

Caley clinched the first division title in May this year when they overhauled Clyde on the final day of the campaign.

But the Highlanders were initially denied promotion to the SPL when top-flight clubs voted against a ground-share agreement at Pittodrie.

However, the SPL board took a second vote, which gained Caley entry to the elite in Scotland.

Robertson leaves the club on a high after the weekend win over Livingston lifted the team to ninth in the table.

Hearts, who lost their opening UEFA Cup Group A match away to Feyenoord 3-0 on October 21st, are bottom of the group and play Schalke 04 tonight at Murrayfield.

Striker Mark de Vries may start against the Germans after returning to training. The Dutch forward has not played since the goalless draw with Livingston on October 3rd because of a poisoned toe.

Midfielder Phil Stamp is struggling to be fit for the game because of a calf injury.