MIDFIELD SHORTAGE CONCERN FOR CRAIG

CRAIG Levein admits his Hearts side have their own problems to focus on as they prepare to host newlymanagerless Rangers Murrayfield tomorrow.

The Jambos are also licking their wounds after a midweek defeat by Hibs.

Rangers have a number of injury and suspension issues but Levein is short of midfielders and struggled to find a balance at Easter Road, admitting playing Connor Randall and Rafal Grzelak in the middle left them struggling to pass the ball. He brought on 16-year-old Harry Cochrane at half-time and remains with limited options.

“I played a couple of defensive players, not in positions they hadn’t played before, but out of position,” he said. “I felt a little bit for them, they struggled with the position they were asked to play and that’s my responsibility.

“It would have helped us if we’d had more midfield players available. It’s a problem. Arnaud Djoum, Don Cowie, Prince (Buaben) and Malaury Martin are all out. What we have left is either defensive players or young kids.

“We just couldn’t get our forward players on the ball and I think that was down to the fact we couldn’t get any cohesion in midfield.”

Levein took in Rangers’ Wednesday night draw with Killie and said of their vulnerability: “Rangers are Rangers, aren’t they? There’s always a t hing about playing against Rangers. Our players will need to be at their best.”