Berra return would boost Hearts at both ends of pitch
with the physio, he knows himself better than anybody else, knows his body better than anybody else, and last night was quite important so we’ll see how he feels. I’m not saying he is definitely going to play on Sunday but I’m definitely not ruling him out.”
The Gorgie side had been unbeaten prior to the last meeting with Steven Gerrard’s men but in the seven games since that 2-0 loss at the start of October, the former Premiership pacesetters have lost four, and drawn one. The latest defeat, away to St Mirren last weekend, allowed Rangers to leapfrog them into second place but everyone at the club knows that a return to winning ways on Sunday would allow them to reverse that.
Levein believes that the inclusion of Berra would bolster the team, not only in defence but, given the fact they have drawn a blank in the past five games, the Scotland international could also enhance the side’s attacking 0 Christophe Berra in action during last night’s game between a Hearts XI and Linlithgow Rose at Prestonfield to mark the unveiling of new floodlights at the park. Craig Wighton scored twice to give Hearts a 2-0 win and Berra played the first half.
options and give the opposition pause for thought.
“It will be great if he is involved,” said Levein, who was critical of Clevid Dikamona’s central defensive performance in Paisley. “It helps us because he is a threat at set-pieces. He also helps us defend set-pieces and defend better in general. I had expected him back after the winter
break so this is quite early but the game [last night was] the most important thing. If he can get through that and feel ok then he is certainly worth consideration for Sunday.
“It is good for us, really good. Because he is a very good player and I think also when the opposition sees his name on our team sheet they know we are a different proposition.
That is something we are missing with all the guys who are out just now – that fear factor.
“It seems like every week we talk about players who are not playing and that is the frustrating thing but getting Christophe back on the pitch and having a chance of him playing on Sunday makes me feel good.”
There was further good news regarding the rehabilitation of
another of the big-name casualties, Steven Naismith, with his manager happy that he remains on course for a muchanticipated return.
Levein added: “Naisy is going to start jogging very shortly so he is maybe two or three weeks away. He is back up here [from parent club Norwich City] and everything is going well, no problems.”