Webster a casualty

MARK BONTHRONE

HEARTS’ battling point against Rangers at the weekend has come at a cost with the news that Andy Webster is likely to be out of action for up to three weeks.

The defender was forced to limp off with just over an hour played against the Ibrox outfit with boss Craig Levein revealing today that Webster has twisted his ankle.

The Scotland internationalist, who left Tynecastle with heavy strapping applied to the problem is definitely out of next weekend’s trip to face Motherwell and the following week’s home game against Dundee while he will also be a major doubt for the trip to face champions-elect Celtic at the start of next month.

The news will come as a massive blow to Levein who also had to replace Paul Hartley during the game after the midfielder complained of a tight groin. The former St Johnstone man was substituted as more of a precaution, however, and he looks to have been replaced in time.

"It looks like we will be without Andy for about three weeks," said Levein.

"He went over on his ankle and although it’s nothing more than a twist it will be enough to keep him out for a wee while.

"It’s the same kind of thing that he did last season and it’s a blow because he and Elvis had formed a good partnership at the back. We also took Paul off as he was feeling his groin but that was more of a precaution. He was a bit disappointed at having to go off but we did it with one eye on the future."

Meanwhile, Levein today urged striker Dennis Wyness to have more confidence in his ability and produce more finishes like that which earned his side a 1-1 draw at the weekend.

The former Inverness Caley Thistle forward stepped off the bench to net his fourth goal since moving to the club in the summer when he rifled home a clinical 15-yard volley with a quarter of an hour remaining.

"I was really pleased for Dennis," said Levein. "He’s done himself no harm at all and I thought he played very well when he came on.

"I’ve a lot of confidence in the lad and once he starts having the same degree of confidence in himself that I have then I don’t think we will have a problem."

While Wyness’ goal sparked wild celebrations among the home support Levein was today still ruing the golden opportunities that his side passed up.

Taken from the Scotsman