Levein takes ‘silly’ Sutton to task

HEARTS manager Craig Levein has branded Chris Sutton’s criticism of Kyle Lafferty as ‘silly’ after the outspoken pundit labelled the Rangers target a ‘bit of a nutter’ and a ‘time bomb’. The former Celtic striker made the comments earlier this week when he was asked about Ibrox interest in Lafferty (below). Sutton also suggested that taking the 30-year-old Northern Irishman back to his former club would represent a ‘risk’ after a successful summer of recruitment by Steven Gerrard. While Levein was keen not to become embroiled in a war of words with Sutton, with whom he enjoys a positive relationship, he believes the Englishman’s words were ill-judged. ‘I’m sure Chris will regret that,’ said the Tynecastle manager. ‘I think it was just a little bit silly. Chris is a decent guy and I’m sure he maybe regrets saying that. ‘My view is that, when he looks at it again, he will think it was a wee bit silly to get involved. ‘Since Kyle has been here, I’ve had a brilliant relationship with him. His professionalism has been there and he was good when he came on last Sunday (against Inverness Caley Thistle in the 5-0 Betfred Cup victory) and he was unlucky not to get a couple of goals.’ Levein revealed that Hearts have held informal discussions with Rangers chiefs about Lafferty this week, but no advance on an initial £200,000 bid has been forthcoming. As such, Lafferty — who was by the side of his wife Vanessa yesterday as she gave birth to their daughter — is expected to be in Levein’s squad for Hearts’ Premiership opener at Hamilton tomorrow afternoon. ‘I’ve had a couple of chats with people at Rangers this week but without there being any other development,’ continued Levein. ‘The thing isn’t dead but the offer that was made is not good enough. ‘This sort of thing happens at every club all the time but it seems to cause more of a fuss with Kyle than anybody else. I assume it’s because Rangers are involved. ‘Kyle is all right. He has been off, with his wife giving birth. He will be in a good place because of that and he’ll be back in training. I plan on him being involved on Saturday.’ One man who does appear destined for the exit door at Tynecastle is veteran midfielder Don Cowie, who is a target for Ross County. The 35-year-old has been informed that his first-team opportunities will be limited this season, following the arrivals of Oliver Bozanic, Olly Lee, Ryan Edwards and Peter Haring’s emergence as a defensive-midfield enforcer. While in no rush to force the former Scotland international out, Levein will not stand in the player’s way. ‘Don has been made a good offer from elsewhere,’ continued Levein. ‘If he stays, then I am delighted and if he goes, then I am delighted for him.’