McKenna at home as hat-trick hero

IAIN COLLIN

KEVIN McKenna was cheered on by his proud family as he scored a hat-trick on home soil in Hearts’ 4-1 win on the second game of their pre-season tour to Canada.

The 24-year-old netted a double while playing as a striker in the first-half of the clash with the Pacific Coast Soccer League All Stars, and he completed his scoring with a header after moving into defence for the second period.

Striker Dennis Wyness, a half-time substitute for skipper Steven Pressley, who had earlier missed a penalty for the Tynecastle side, added a fourth after Tiarnan King had pulled one back for the All Stars 20 minutes from time.

Following on from the 1-1 draw with Canada B on Monday, head coach Craig Levein was happy for his side to have got another 90 minutes under their belts, but he was particularly pleased for Canadian international McKenna.

Speaking to the club’s website, he said: "The standard was not as good as the Canadian B team we played on Monday but they were fit and well organised and so they gave us a hard game.

"We played some good football and scored four goals, so it was a worthwhile exercise for us. Kevin’s family were here, so it was special for him. What was pleasing for me was that he showed his versatility."

Meanwhile, there was mixed news on the injury front for Hearts’ two new summer signings, Jamie McAllister and Ramon Pereira.

There were fears McAllister had broken his hand in Monday’s match against Canada B, however the former Livingston and Aberdeen full-back was a half-time sub against the PCSL All Stars and emerged from the match unscathed. But Pereira has picked up a knee injury and is out of the rest of the warm-up tour, which concludes with tomorrow’s match against FA Cup finalists Millwall.

Hearts took a squad from their Under-21 and Under-19 sides to Ochilview for a friendly last night with Stenhousemuir but the Third Division team proved too strong for the Edinburgh youngsters, running out 2-0 winners. Ryan Davidson hit the opener for the Warriors in 21 minutes and with only six minutes left veteran striker Paul McGrillen bulleted home a ten-yard header to seal the victory.

Meanwhile, a hat-trick from new boy John Sutton helped fire Dundee to a 5-0 victory over Clonmel Town in the opening match of their pre-season trip to Ireland. Scott Robertson and Steven Robb were also on target for Jim Duffy’s side, while latest signing, striker Iain Anderson, impressed in the second half.

Taken from the Scotsman