Levein draws encouragment from comeback

EWAN MURRAY AT THE EXCELSIOR STADIUM

Airdrie United 1 Coyle (24)
Hearts 1 Weir (75)

ON A Lanarkshire afternoon which more resembled January than July, Craig Levein declared himself satisfied after his Hearts side earned a hard-fought draw against First Division newcomers Airdrie United.

Hearts fell behind to an Owen Coyle strike after 24 minutes before substitute Graham Weir equalised 15 minutes from time.

"We had plenty of the ball, worked hard and defended well enough," said Levein. "I think we restricted Airdrie to two shots on goal, which tells its own story.

"We are maybe lacking sharpness, as our play in the last third in terms of passing, crossing and linking with the strikers wasn’t the best - but it’s pre-season and that’s why we’re here," he added.

It was unfortunate for the visitors, then, that one of Airdrie’s few chances in the match fell to Coyle. The effervescent striker, who turned 38 earlier this month, scored in his third consecutive pre-season game with a crisp first-time strike after link-up play by Stephen McKeown and the impressive Jerome Vareille.

Coyle’s manager, Sandy Stewart, was quick to highlight the importance of the striker, whom he signed last week from Dundee United on a permanent basis. "We’re not going to turn round after this result and declare ourselves promotion contenders," said Stewart, "but in Owen we have someone who scores goals, and goals win games, so we can’t ask for more than that."

Airdrie were missing the injured Alan Gow and Willie McLaren and, in truth, it would have been harsh on the visitors had Coyle’s goal won this game. Hearts held the majority of possession and Weir’s strike, clipped past Mark McGeown from eight yards after a Kevin McKenna flick-on, came only two minutes after the youngster had replaced the ineffectual Dennis Wyness.

Hearts were without the injured duo of Mark De Vries and Craig Gordon, yet Levein was still able to list nine substitutes. Whilst still not altogether happy with the depth of his squad, the manager was keen to acknowledge its quality.

"We have a number of different combinations, particularly in the forward areas where Kevin McKenna played 90 minutes. De Vries is still to come back, and Weir has pushed himself further into contention with that goal," said Levein.

"I’m very aware of giving everyone an opportunity during our three games this week, and although all managers would like to add two or three more players to their squad, realistically I can’t do that. What I am happy with, though, is that I have 16 players who are capable of playing at the level required," added Levein, whose side travel to play Ross County on Tuesday, before Fulham visit Tynecastle on Saturday.

The target for Hearts is to establish themselves as the third force in Scotland for the third year in succession.

Although obviously content with the development of his own side, Levein also pointed to the improvement at other clubs as ample reason for his own players to remain alert. "Dundee United have had a year of stability, and Aberdeen have made a great signing in Scott Severin, so whilst it’s hard for me to comment in too much detail about other teams, we know how difficult it will be to be third again this season."

Attendance: 1,532

Airdrie United: McGeown, Christie (W Wilson 71), Lovering, McGowan (McKenna 74), McManus, Dunn (Trialist 62), Varielle, M Wilson (S Wilson 74), Coyle, McKeown, Roberts (Hoey 71). Subs not used; Hollis.

Hearts: Moilanen, Neilson, Maybury, Pressley, Webster, McFarlane (Pereira 73), Wyness (Weir 73), Stamp (Simmons 85), McKenna, Hartley (Jancyzk 85), Hamill. Subs not used: McDonald, McAllister, Kisnorbo, Sloan, Berra.

Referee: W Young

Taken from the Scotsman