Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Levein braced for bad news
HEARTS could be without Michael Smith for up to six weeks after boss Craig Levein confirmed t he defender had suffered a thigh tear during t he 4-0 Scottish Cup victory against Auchinleck Talbot.
The Northern Ireland international was being sent for a scan today to ascertain the severity of the setback but Levein is braced for bad news on his full-back.
Levein said: “The big downside was Mick.
“He was as professional as ever and his performance was very good.
“But he’s torn his thigh muscle and he will be getting scanned.
“We don’t know how long he will be out.
“It depends how bad it is – whether it is a grade 1, 2 or 3. But it could be six weeks out.
“It was his standing leg when he passed the ball.”