SIX-PAGE SPECIAL ON BATTLE FOR THE LEAGUE

Elvis: Don’t slam Levein for losing top spot.. it’s a miracle his side are still up there after a crock crisis

STEVEN PRESSLEY reckons the doubters who claim Hearts’ bubble has burst are full of hot air.

Craig Levein’s side have slumped to four domestic defeats in their last seven outings – including Saturday’s defeat to Kilmarnock that knocked them off the top of the Premiership.

But former club captain Pressley thinks it’s incredible the Gorgie men have sustained a title challenge despite losing half a team since the campaign started in August.

Central-defensive pairing John Souttar and Christophe Berra are both out long term while strikers Steven Naismith and Uche Ikpeazu also face lengthy spells on the sidelines.

If you add the fact Kyle Lafferty was sold to Rangers, Pressley feels lesser teams may have collapsed by now.

Celtic and Rangers are facing a mammoth 11 games in 35 days after the international break while Hearts have eight over the same period – and that could be crucial in helping the Jambos stay in touch at the top.

Pressley said: “You can discuss tactics, man-management and all different aspects of football all you want but the most important things are the players. That is at all levels.

“For Hearts to suffer the amount of injuries they have in such a short space of time then it is going to have an effect on them.

“It is so tough for a club like them to lose their first choice centre-backs, both of whom are internationalists.

“And they are also without Steven Naismith and Uche Ikpeazu up front, plus, and people forget this, Kyle Lafferty left to join Rangers. That is half an outfield team!

“All those players would be automatic or regular starters for Hearts. That is five of the club’s main players. When you look at it like that, it’s amazing Hearts are actually still level on points with Celtic.”

Pressley reckons Levein may have to start tweaking his tactics and formations to suit the personnel he has left at his disposal.

The Tynecastle boss took the blame for the 5-0 hammering at Celtic earlier this month after admitting he “was not the brightest” and that he had “tried to be clever”. And Pressley said: “The challenge for Craig and for Hearts now is to look at alternative ways of playing and scoring.

“Hearts have recruited players to play in a certain style and the injured ones were key to that.

“I don’t know Craig’s thoughts but he may have to go about changing Hearts’ shape temporarily. Regardless of the change in shape and tactics, they are still missing key players.

“There is no doubt in my mind the amount of injuries that have occurred at the club has had a detrimental effect during this period but Hearts have done remarkably well to cope and stay at the top.

“Once teams hit the front and occupy that pole position they want more and so do the supporters. Hearts in this instance are victims of their own success. The test is to prove they can not only deal with setbacks but also cope with the loss of so many influential players.

“Everybody is asking if Hearts can sustain their title challenge. Whenever I’ve watched them they are clear about how they go about their business.

“The players all know the style, the system, how they fit into it and how the team is going to play.

“Hearts have proven thus far that they are capable of getting results both at Tynecastle and on the road.

“It is just over the course of the season injuries can affect the group, the experience of going the distance can affect the group.

“All of these variables have still to be tested from a Hearts perspective yet. They are missing several players with the experience to help them see it through.

“Scottish football is crying out for this type of challenge to Celtic from the other clubs.

“There is healthy competition in the Premiership and it’s great to see Hearts up there doing so well.”