Hearts players give Levein's rant the boot

BARRY ANDERSON
ROBBIE NEILSON is determined that Craig Levein's scathing criticism of Hearts will not be allowed to derail the club's European ambitions, insisting today that his former manager's comments were not even an issue within the Riccarton dressing room.
Levein accused Hearts of feigning injury, time-wasting and conning referees after Saturday's 1-0 victory at Tannadice, allegations which may land him in trouble with the Scottish Football Association.

Neilson, who played under Levein for four years at Tynecastle, considered the comments incidental and said he and his colleagues have simply brushed them aside.

Hearts remain focused on this evening's visit of Motherwell and their quest to qualify for the inaugural UEFA Europa League. Neilson said that achieving victory at the home of their closest European challengers at the weekend speaks for itself. "Craig has his own mind and he's a clever guy, but it's no issue to us at all. The game is finished and we move on," said the full-back. "What was said was said, we can only concentrate on ourselves. We got the three points up there, we worked hard and were organised as a team. We aren't offended at all. The three points are on the board. You can call people what you want, it's about getting three points in this game.

"Three points is three points for us, it doesn't matter what anybody says now. That game is finished and the points are on the board. We are sitting well in the league and we're concentrating on Motherwell."

The SFA's disciplinary department will review Levein's comments before deciding whether they merit a disrepute charge. "If the comments are considered in breach of the guidelines he will be asked to explain himself to the general purposes committee," said an SFA spokesperson.

Christian Nade is expected to return to the Hearts starting line-up tonight after serving a one-match suspension, but Michael Stewart is doubtful with flu.

"Nade is definitely in the squad," said manager Csaba Laszlo. "This is a big game, every three points now are important. Motherwell are in sixth position and have a chance to qualify for the top six. After beating Dundee United, it is very important to take three points at Tynecastle. We did not have much luck against St Mirren last time but I hope this will be different tonight."

Taken from the Scotsman