Praise for backing of Dennis

MARK BONTHRONE

CRAIG LEVEIN today praised the Hearts support for the patience they have shown with new signing Dennis Wyness, claiming they had contributed to the former Inverness Caley Thistle striker opening his account for the Jambos against Dunfermline.

The First Division’s second-top goalscorer last season had failed to find the back of the net in three previous starts for the Tynecastle side and pressure was beginning to mount ahead of Dunfermline’s visit to the Capital yesterday afternoon.

Levein has always maintained that it was just a matter of time before Wyness scored for his side, insisting that he had no doubts about his ability to put the ball in the back of the net.

However, in last weekend’s game against Dundee United there were signs that the Gorgie faithful were becoming increasingly frustrated at Wyness’ failure to do so.

Yesterday though, the former Aberdeen striker received plenty of encouragement before he rattled in his first goal for the club with an excellent second-half solo effort and Levein was delighted with the way the fans had backed him. He said: "What I was really pleased with was that although at times things wouldn’t work for him [Wyness], he was getting plenty of encouragement out there.

"The most important thing is that he has showed the Hearts supporters just what he is capable of. I’m really thrilled for the boy.

"The goal was really a little bit special. I didn’t realise the real quality until I saw it on television."

Taken from the Scotsman