Keep calm and carry on with the shut-outs
Rock-solid Jambo Jon set for new deal
CRAIG LEVEIN has revealed he will open contract talks with keeper Jon McLaughlin who has helped Hearts close in on a new shutout record.
The Jambos could go six games in a row without conceding for the first time in their 143-year history if they keep a clean sheet at Aberdeen today.
Hearts boss Levein admits ex-Bradford goalie McLaughlin’s impressive contribution in place of Jack Hamilton has made him keen to extend the 30-year-old’s one-year stay at Tynecastle.
When asked if the keeper would be offered a new contract, Levein said: “That’s something I’ll speak to him about.
“He has done a really good job and is a good boy.
“Jack Hamilton was a having a little bit of a difficult time and Jon has come in and done exactly what I hoped he would do – use his experience, be calm and assertive.
“He’s often in the right place and his sweeping behind the backline is very good. He has made a real difference.”
McLaughlin may be set for a new deal but any move to take Jamie Walker to Wigan is now on ice after the midfielder awaits the results of a scan on the knee injury he picked up in the Edinburgh derby.
It means there’s now uncertainty over whether 21-year-old Latics midfielder Jack Byrne will move in the other direction.
Levein said: “Jamie picked up a knee injury during the Hibs game and he’s away for a scan so we’ll need to wait and see how he is.
“I would think he is out of the Aberdeen game. There has been some interest in Jamie from Wigan but I couldn’t tell you if Jack would be part of that deal.
“It’s more complicated now that Jamie has hurt his knee. I don’t know how any injury would affect things because discussions haven’t involved that.”
But Levein insists prize asset John Souttar is going nowhere despite reports down south linking the rising star with a move to Derby.
He said: “John was out for eight months with an Achilles injury and worked his backside off in the gym. “Physically, he is a different specimen altogether and people don’t realise that’s he really quick. “His passing is something that everybody admires – it’s something he’s brilliant at. He is a complete player. “I think John is another window away from being ready to go anywhere. He needs a full season then he might be ready. He’s our most valuable asset but we don’t need to sell so that helps.” Levein will be forced to name youngsters on the bench for today’s game at Pittodrie with key firstteam players including Walker, Connor Randall, Rafal Grzelak and Ross Callachan out injured. He said: “The good news is Michael Smith returns but we will have to put young boys on the bench.”