Levein: Gems do exist in Scotland

ALTHOUGH severely restricted in his spending power since becoming Hearts boss, Craig Levein has already shown that quality players can be plundered from the lower divisions at an affordable price.

"There is a general wariness as they think the standard is poor"

The Gorgie chief looks to have snapped up a real prospect for the future with the capture of centre half Andy Webster from Arbroath, the 19-year-old enjoying a rapid rise to prominence at Tynecastle since his £70,000 move from Gayfield.

Fellow-defender Austin McCann, himself handed a taste of the big time after Levein brought him to the Capital from first division Airdrie shortly after taking over as manager, has shown he, too, could have what it takes to make the grade in the top flight.

The young left-back performed impressively in the cauldron of the recent Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle on his recall to the first team, although he subsequently made way for a fit-again Stephane Mahe.

While Levein concedes that both youngsters have a long way to go until they are the finished article, he is hopeful they will one day justify his decision to introduce them to the rarefied atmosphere of the Premier League.

Along with the likes of Motherwell boss Eric Black, St Johnstone gaffer Billy Stark and Kilmarnock manager Bobby Williamson, the Jambos chief continues to monitor the lower leagues for any upcoming talent. Levein insists that the willingness of managers in the top flight to put their faith in youth is the key to improving the game in Scotland, particularly where the national side is concerned.

"People talk about the state of Scottish football and our national team," he said. "But to get a good national side you need lots of players to choose from and, in the last ten years or so, the amount of Scots playing in the Premier League has gone down dramatically.

"That means the number of guys with the required experience has dropped. I believe there are encouraging signs as far as bringing on the young players are concerned - it’s great to see clubs like Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Aberdeen prepared to put an emphasis on youth.

"It is good to see the younger ones coming through. Whether they come through the ranks, or whether they are developed by a smaller club and then take the step up to the Premier League, at the end of the day it doesn’t matter."

Levein is well versed in what the lower leagues in Scotland can provide and he will not hesitate to go down that route again if he feels the move is right.

He said: "I have good contacts in those leagues and having been a manager down there I know what the standard is like.

"Having said that, it’s alright the players being out there but you need to have a position for them.

"At this moment in time, for example, if another Andy Webster came along I’d have to say to myself: ‘I’ve only got so much money to spend, is this what I really need?’

"I will continue to keep an eye on the situation and if someone comes up who I think will fit in with what I am looking for then I would have no hesitation in signing him. Managers have to have the belief that the player is good enough for the SPL and must have the money and an opening for him."

While Levein has not been scared to take a chance on untried individuals, he concedes that other clubs are somewhat reluctant to take the plunge given their misguided conception of the quality on show outwith the top flight. Levein said: "There is a general wariness among clubs to make those kind of moves as they basically think the standard is crap. But you would be surprised. If you take players out of that environment and give them a platform to play on then you just never know what you might get.

"It might be the case that three or four are signed and just one turns out to be a player, but that’s why it’s a numbers game in many respects as far as outlay is concerned.

"Of course, some players cope with the step up no bother. Andy Webster looks a first-team player already. He still has a lot to learn but his mentality is good.

"I’ve also been pleased with Austin McCann. He is a wee bit away from being a regular here and needed a bit more time to get settled and gain confidence.

"It is fine taking boys out of the lower leagues but if they don’t have the mental strength to handle it they won’t be any good to you. All you can do is give them a chance and then it’s up to them."

Taken from the Scotsman