Stewart to start first game

PAUL KIDDIE

LOAN star Michael Stewart will start his first game for Hearts in tonight’s East of Scotland Shield Final against city rivals Hibs at Tynecastle - but boss Craig Levein has told the midfielder he will have to wait for his big first-team chance.

The 23-year-old came off the bench in the second half of Saturday’s friendly against Fulham after completing his move from Manchester United and impressed in the middle of the park before a lack of match fitness took its toll.

With his last competitive action coming away back in December the player - and his manager - are acutely aware he needs to play as many games as possible to help his sharpness and as a result the lifelong Jambo will start his first game for the Gorgie outfit this evening as John McGlynn’s side look to defend the silverware retained last year at Easter Road.

Levein claims that Stewart will be a huge asset for the club once fully fit but he is set to ignore the temptation to name him in his starting XI for the SPL opener against Dundee this weekend.

"I think it is a fine balance with Michael," he said. "He will play tonight against Hibs in the East of Scotland Shield and that will be good for him.

"But I don’t think he will play from the start against Dundee. I am very conscious not to upset the work ethic of the team here and it’s likely he will be used sparingly in the opening weeks of the season until he’s properly match fit."

Played under the auspices of the East of Scotland Football Association, the match is actually last season’s fixture and as such will be played as an Under-21 game with both teams allowed five over-age outfield players in addition to an over-age goalkeeper.

Kick-off tonight is 7pm and admission is £5 and £3 for all supporters.

Taken from the Scotsman