Heart want three points

Melbourne Heart boss John van ‘t Schip was delighted to have former Melbourne Victory hero Fred back in team calculations ahead of their date with Newcastle at AAMI Park on Saturday.

The Brazilian midfielder is yet to start for his new club, but van ‘t Schip said Fred is ready to boost Heart’s stocks in the centre of the pitch as they aim for their first win of the 2011-12 campaign.

“Fred we all know is a player with good qualities, big qualities. We were happy to have him back for a short time. You can see he was missing a little bit of game rhythm, but he’s a good player and he’s fit, so he will certainly be part of the team,” the Dutchman said.

And van ‘t Schip has not been disheartened by points dropped late in fixtures this season – namely against the Jets in the opening game and against Sydney at home – stating that his players still had the will to win.

“I think if they didn’t believe, you wouldn’t see the effort in the way they play on the pitch. So that’s not a concern at all. The boys are really trying to put on the pitch the things we talk about, we train on, and that’s not my main concern,” he said.

“(I’m) talking about mentally, keeping them (the players) going and believing in the fact that our first win will come. And I think that’s the moment we all have to all believe in. Not the way of playing, but the spirit, that’s the thing I’m very happy about.”

Van ‘t Schip said it will come down to competitive pedigree, to see if the Heart can put three points on the board to give their fans hope this season.

“Certain moments, with emotions, with the panic (late in the game), you have to keep strong and do the things you have to do. And that’s where sometimes things are different from in the training,” he said.

“For sure, it has to do also with experience, but it’s something every player should have in him. If you know the result is almost there, then you have to give everything for those last few moments.”