Christophe Berra needs to keep his spirits up as his time in the national team will come.

"I think he realises his time will come"
Scotland coach Steven Pressley knows what it is like to suffer the frustrations of being named in national squads on a regular basis but not adding to his caps tally. He is using this painful experience under Craig Brown to encourage Hearts' Christophe Berra that his time will come and that he must be patience if he wants to become an international regular. Pressley took Berra aside following last month's World Cup qualifying games against Macedonia and Iceland to offer sage advice. The current Hearts captain has been named in all five of national manager George Burley's squads but only played against the Czech Republic in May. With Stephen McManus suspended for Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Norway, Burley is expected to name Gary Caldwell and David Weir in central defence with Berra among the list of substitutes. Pressley stressed he should bide his time for an opportunity rather than become despondent. Pressley said: "I spoke to Christophe after the last get-together and explained that he needed just to show a little bit of patience. I had to experience that as a player myself. I was involved in many squads and didn't feature, it's all part of the learning curve. I travelled with many squads under Craig Brown and sat in many stands. It was experience and I had to be patient. I explained that to Christophe and I'm sure his opportunity will come, maybe when least expected. I'm sure he'll be ready for that. He was very understanding. I think he realises his time will come."

Pressley played alongside Berra during the latter's formative years at Tynecastle. Having studied his development closely, Presley believes Berra has all the attributes of a quality international defender in waiting. Pressley said: "I've always liked Christophe. I think he has all the attributes to become a top-class centre-back. There are still aspects of his game that he must work on but he's very quick, strong, aggressive, good in the air and his reading of the game is improving all the time. He has a bright future ahead of him."

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