Levein backing for ace Wyness

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS boss Craig Levein today gave his backing to striker Dennis Wyness after the new signing failed to find the net for the third league game in a row against Dundee United at the weekend.

The 26-year-old was snapped up by Levein in the summer after rattling in the goals for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the first division.

However, after being preferred as the strike partner to Mark de Vries at the start of the SPL campaign, he has yet to find his touch in front of goal for the Jambos, although he was denied his first goal for the club in Saturday’s 3-0 victory by a fine save from Paul Gallagher in the second half at Tynecastle.

Levein, though, is unconcerned and remains confident that Wyness will soon prove his undoubted striking qualities.

"Dennis again worked his backside off against Dundee United," he said. "He had a great attempt saved and balls went just beyond his reach. I feel sorry for him but he just needs a goal.

"I believe in him and as long as the fans see he is working hard then they won’t have a problem with him. If he wasn’t putting the effort in then they would have a right to have a go."

He added: "It is not a concern for me. He is doing well enough without scoring goals. He didn’t score on Saturday and we still won 3-0 but I do think he just needs a goal to get him going."

Levein handed a recall to Paul McMullan against the Tangerines in place of Austin McCann at left back and declared himself satisfied with the younsgter’s display.

"He has had a tough time of it and hasn’t performed anywhere near the level he did last season," he said. "He was still a bit tentative on Saturday and not as free-flowing as he could have been but it was good to get him back."

Taken from the Scotsman