Hearts still have much work to do

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS assistant boss Peter Houston today insisted there is still a lot of work to be done before the Jambos win the race for Europe.

The Gorgie No.2 watched UEFA Cup rivals Dunfermline crash 1-0 to Motherwell at Fir Park last night, the loss leaving the Fifers trailing Hearts by eight points with six games remaining.

While the Tynecastle side are hot favourites to book a return ticket to Europe for the second season running, Houston insists the players will not be taking anything for granted.

"There is still a bit of work to do and the race for third place definitely isn’t over yet," he said.

"An eight point advantage with six games to go is a handy lead but there are a lot of points still to be won before now and the end of the season. We are in the driving seat but nothing is being taken for granted until it is mathematically certain that we have clinched that third place."

Phil Stamp looks set to bolster Hearts’ midfield for tomorrow’s visit of Livingston, the Englishman having played 45 minutes of Wednesday’s Under-21 game at Dundee United.

He took a kick on his calf moments before the break at Tannadice but managed to train yesterday and should be fine to line up against the Lions.

Striker Mark de Vries missed yesterday’s session after complaining of a sore throat and the Dutchman will be assessed today before any decision is made on his availability.

Steven Boyack will be included in his first top-team squad for some seven months, the midfielder not having played since the UEFA Cup clash against Zeljeznicar in September. He has been out with a stomach injury which required surgery but could feature at some point against the CIS Cup winners.

His availability comes as a welcome boost for boss Craig Levein, who is without the in-form former Hibs and St Johnstone star Paul Hartley, who is suspended after his red card against Partick Thistle last week. Patrick Kisnorbo will also be fit to start after shaking off a hamstring niggle.

Taken from the Scotsman