Levein praises strikers

GRAEME CROSER

HEARTS boss Craig Levein today hailed the ruthlessness of his strikers as he reflected on Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Lisburn Distillery.

Hitmen Andy Kirk, Dennis Wyness and Graham Weir were all on target as the Jambos got their pre-season tour of Northern Ireland off to a flying start at Ballyskeagh.

New signing Paul Hartley also found the net from the penalty spot, but Levein was most encouraged by the efforts of his front players.

And with last term’s top scorer Mark de Vries an unused substitute and Gary Wales sitting in the stand, the head coach faces the enviable problem of perming two forwards from five as he prepares for the new season.

He said: "We were pretty clinical on Saturday and that was very pleasing for myself. We only made one really good chance in the first half and Andy put it away. In the second half we played much better. The wind was a big problem for us but we kept the ball down and took our chances when they came.

"It was good to see Dennis getting on the scoresheet and then Graham took his goal really well. He was actually very unlucky with another chance just after half-time when the keeper made a good save so he can be pleased with his contribution.

"I’m very encouraged by the strikers we have at the moment. We used three on Saturday and they all found the net, while Mark and Gary sat the match out.

"They are all good goalscorers and the competition is fierce which is good for the club."

Kirk’s goal came as no surprise to father Paul, the Lisburn Distillery manager. The Northern Ireland internationalist was made captain for the day and he responded by inflicting misery on Kirk senior, who believes his son can score 20 goals next season.

He said: "For the first 40 minutes I thought we were every bit as good as Hearts but then that little b****r popped up!

"It was the only chance they had up to that point and when it came along Andy put it away.

"It was written in the stars that it would be him who scored, but it always seems to be that way whenever he plays against my teams - he’s now scored four against me in his career.

"He is a goalscorer and he will win football games for Hearts, there’s no doubt about that. If he can get a good run and stay away from injuries he could definitely get 20 goals over a season.

"He is at a good club and I know he loves it there - I can only see him getting better."

Meanwhile, Kevin McKenna was due to meet up with the Jambos squad here at their Belfast base today. The defender has been in the United States, competing with Canada in the Gold Cup.

Taken from the Scotsman