The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Cowie hails impact of Levein in getting Hearts back on track
HEARTS 0 ABERDEEN 0
Craig Levein has detailed the small things to make a big difference at Hearts, according to Don Cowie.
The former Scotland boss, previously in charge of the Tynecastle club from 2000 to 2004, added the managerial position to his director of football role after the departure of head coach Ian Cathro.
His first game back in the dugout was against Aberdeen at Murrayfield on Saturday, the Jambos’ temporary home while Tynecastle’s main stand is being refurbished. Only an inspired performance by Dons goalkeeper Joe Lewis kept Hearts at bay in the draw.
Asked about the changes he has noticed since Levein took over, 34-year-old midfielder Cowie said: “It’s small things, but if you put them all together they can make a big difference.
“There’s a real respect there from the players towards him. You know if you’ve got that (starting) strip you need to work hard or you’ll lose it.
“He made that point right from day one. You saw players really putting the graft in. It was just trying to get that wee bit of quality.
“We had a game plan. We had to show the respect that Aberdeen deserved.
“They have started this season really well off the back of two or three very good seasons so we knew it was going to be tough.
“It was hot, so it was hard. It was just a case of staying in the game and making it difficult for them. We did that, then the fitness – which a lot of people have questioned – showed in the end and we looked really strong.”
Cowie believes the performance has set a benchmark for the rest of the season.
The former Inverness, Watford, Cardiff and Wigan player said: “We were all in the dressing room after the game really tired, but that’s what you need to do to get success.
“Especially in this league, it doesn’t come easy. Everyone makes it difficult for you.”
The Dons remain unbeaten after five games and are only behind leaders Celtic on goal difference.
Derek McInnes described Lewis’ contribution as “his best this season” and said: “There was a number of games last year when he made the difference between getting one point and all three.
“His concentration is so good, he fills the goal brilliantly, he seems to have the calmness and assurance and top keepers have got that.
He added: “Hearts have good players. For whatever reason they have not been getting results over the last little while, they have got good players and I think they showed that in the second half.
“By and large we defended well but a good goalkeeper will win you points when you are not at your best.
“We lick our wounds, we came here to win but if we are honest a point is no more than we deserved and I think we were more pleased to hear the final whistle than Hearts.”