Levein has full choice

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS boss Craig Levein is set to choose from a fully-fit squad for the visit of champions Celtic on Sunday, a rare luxury for the Gorgie chief this season, writes PAUL KIDDIE.

Phil Stamp, who has shaken off a calf problem, returned to training this week without any ill effects, while Mark de Vries is also improving after being laid low by a throat infection last weekend.

With Steven Boyack and Scott Severin also available and Paul Hartley free of suspension, Levein has some selection problems of a different kind.

"These games are always a bit special," he said. "There should be a lot of away fans at the game and that should help bring a better atmosphere than in recent matches. Despite the game being on TV, there will be a reasonably big crowd with a bit of banter between both sets of supporters and that in turn will help lift the players, too."

Hearts, meanwhile, have revealed they will play Fulham in a glamour pre-season friendly in Edinburgh. The Jambos will line up against the Premiership aces on Saturday, July 31, although it has still to be confirmed whether the clash will go ahead at Tynecastle or Murrayfield.

Taken from the Scotsman