Adaonot goingto beTynie influence
CRAIG LEVEIN insists Joaquim Adao needed just 65 minutes to prove he’ll be a “big asset” for Hearts.
The midfield anchorman was pitched straight into last Saturday’s starting XI following his deadline-day loan signing from Sion.
Running on empty and already booked the Angolan was subbed to a standing ovation as Hearts edged out St Johnstone 1-0 in Gorgie.
Levein said: “He was starting to cramp up which was understandable. But he held us together along with the centre-backs and the keeper in the first half.
“He was really good, read the game, anticipated and intercepted well and won a lot of tackles in midfield.
“His use of the ball was good too. He had one pass where he put Kyle Lafferty in behind which showed real quality and that was probably the first time we’d done that in the match.
“We didn’t really get going passing wise and a lot of players were slipping.
“It was a game not to make errors rather than play great football but he showed he is going to be a big asset.”
Defender Connor Randall is expected to be available when Saints return in the Scottish Cup on Saturday – despite making way at half-time last weekend.
Levein said it was nothing more than a slight stomach strain along with tiredness after four games in 10 days.
The Tynecastle boss said: “He just hit a brick wall. I thought the best thing was to just give him a rest.”