Levein: I was Jon to something

HEARTS manager Craig Levein admits Jon McLaughlin’s experience was a factor in handing the keeper the gloves ahead of Jack Hamilton at the weekend.

McLaughlin made his debut in Saturday’s goalless draw with Aberdeen and produced an assured performance in a display that was full of encouragement on Levein’s return to the dugout.

Scotland squad shot-stopper Hamilton began the season in possession of the jersey.

But Levein insists he had no hesitation in starting with 29-year-old former Bradford keeper McLaughlin.

Levein said: “Jon was excellent in goals. Jack started the season fairly well. But I felt on Saturday it was another challenge playing in front of 25,000. Jon’s experienced and has done a lot more in his career.”

The Jambos boss also handed a maiden appearance to deadline-day recruit Ross Callachan and winger David Milinkovic came on in the second half.

Levein added: “Ross was excellent, he was perpetual motion in midfield. David came on and gave us a spark.”