McInnes wary of Levein’s Hearts

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes reckons Hearts are a more threatening prospect with Craig Levein in charge.

Levein returned to the dugout at the end of August after Hearts sacked Ian Cathro and McInnes believes the Jambos now have a clearer identity under the former Scotland boss.

A stint as director of football – in which he oversaw the appointments of Cathro and his predecessor Robbie Neilson – came to an end when Ann Budge approached Levein to retake his place in the dugout, more than a decade since he last took charge of a game at Tynecastle.

McInnes was victorious in all three encounters with Cathro last season, with Levein getting a draw against the Dons at Murrayfield in his first game back in charge in September.

There is respect from the Dons camp for the work undertaken by Levein as Hearts come north this afternoon on the back of an eightgame unbeaten run.

He said: “You can see how Craig has put his stamp on Hearts now. With the greatest of respect, they now have a manager in place who has a clear idea of what he wants.

“They are far more competitive now, they play quickly and they let you know they’re there. In the last eight games they have only lost two goals, which is fantastic for any team.

“There is an organisation and resilience about them now and that is down to the manager. Craig always wants his team to have a solid platform and you can see there is good work being done there.”

The Dons boss has some good news ahead of the game today, with Andrew Considine back in training having picked up a knock in the 1-0 midweek win against Partick Thistle. Nicky Maynard and Greg Tansey are also back training but new signing Niall McGinn cannot be registered until January 1.

Striker Stevie May is unavailable. He has been told to rest with severe bone bruising but does not need an operation.

McInnes said: “He has been told to take a few weeks’ rest before coming back again. He has really struggled with it since the Rangers game and the pain has been getting worse.

“Only rest can settle that down, so hopefully he will be able to get that before picking up and getting going again after the winter break.”

Stevie May: told to rest.