Laughing all the way to the blank No goals, no problem as Levein says Uche still terrorises rivals

CRAIG Levein believes Uche Ikpeazu is the ideal frontman to lead the line for Hearts – even if the giant striker doesn’t get on the scoresheet.

The 6ft 3in forward failed to add to his three goals from the Betfred Cup group campaign in Saturday’s 4-1 opening league win at Hamilton. But he did set up Steven MacLean for the Jambos’ fourth goal.

Ikpeazu, who joined from Cambridge in the summer, has already become a fans’ favourite at Tynecastle and Levein insists he has been delighted with the 23-year-old’s all-round contribution.

Levein, whose side play host to champions Celtic on Saturday, said: “The important thing is for Uche to realise he can contribute to the team in other ways. He doesn’t need to score every week, although he wants to, of course.

“I would like to see him score every week but he was so unselfish with his running and link-up play.

“The pass he put through for Steven’s goal was sublime. He deserved just as much praise for Saturday’s performance as he did the previous Sunday against Inverness when he scored twice.”

Levein has watched his team score 14 goals from games against Accies, Inverness and Cowdenbeath but BY ALAN MARSHALL admits they will face sterner tests in the weeks to come, including this weekend’s clash with Brendan Rodgers’s side at Tynecastle.

The Jambos boss added: “We scored four at the weekend but if we’d scored seven or eight I think that would have been a fair reflection of the match.

“Going to Hamilton at any time is difficult and to win 4-1 makes me feel good.

“I don’t want to get carried away. We’ve scored 14 goals in the last three games but I think the opposition will not be as strong as it’s going to get.

“We need to keep our feet on the ground and keep doing the things that have helped us win the last three games.

“I’m pleased the fans are getting to see the team performing.

“Obviously it’s early in the season and there’s a long way to go. Once we’ve played all 11 of our opponents I’ll have a better idea of where we are. Some players have made me think we can keep improving.”

The pass he put through for Steven MacLean’s goal was sublime CRAIG LEVEIN