Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Hearts’ Levein a ‘big fan’ of Accies man Canning
HEARTS manager Craig Levein has heaped praise on Martin Canning ahead of his side’s trip to Hamilton this weekend.
Canning’s Accies narrowly avoided relegation to the Ladbrokes Championship last season after beating Dundee United in the play-off final, but they have made a good start to the new season.
They sit in seventh place with seven points following impressive wins over Dundee and Hibernian.
By contrast, Levein has inherited a team struggling for form after he took over from Ian Cathro at Tynecastle and he expects a tough challenge at the Superseal Stadium tomorrow.
He said: “Hamilton are a tough team to play against, we haven’t won against them in a while.
“They are very well organised and I’m a big fan of Martin Canning and the people at Hamilton who stuck with him last season after a tough spell. I like to see that.
“He’s got the team heading in the right direction so it will be a hard game for us.
“What will be encouraging is that we have sold a fair number of tickets and there will be quite a big travelling support coming through.”
He added: “They’re well organised and a hard-working team. They punch above their weight for their budget so I think they do a good job.
“We haven’t won there in a while so that tells a story.”
Levein made an encouraging start to his second spell in the Hearts dugout by overseeing an impressive performance in the goalless draw with Aberdeen.