Take it as red Jambos kid still showed his potential
HEARTS boss Craig Levein insisted Andy Irving’s late red card would not take the shine off the teenager’s showing in the spot-kick victory over Dundee United.
Irving’s first-half volley cancelled out Lawrence Shankland’s opener but the 19-year-old was sent off with six minutes left after handling the ball on the edge of his own box.
Levein said: “We should have won in 90 minutes. But experience tells me we’ll get better. For long spells we controlled the match. The little criticism was with ruthlessness in front of goal we could have made it much easier.
“I’m not going to complain about the red card. One of the criticisms I have of Andy at times is he doesn’t do the leg work and chase back.
“Unfortunately for him on this occasion he did it properly and slipped and landed on the ball.
“It sounds silly but I’m pleased he did the first part right – but the second part wasn’t in the plan.
“I don’t think it will take the shine off his performance. He did enough to feel he’ll be a useful addition to the group this season.”
United boss Robbie Neilson joked he was thrilled Paul McMullan’s netted his spot-kick after Nicky Clark’s miss brought back bad memories of last season’s play-off failure.
He said: “Any team outwith the Old Firm would take a point here. We proved we can play at this level.
“In the penalties I was just delighted when wee Paul McMullan stepped up and it actually went in!
“For me that was a win. I wasn’t bothered what happened after that!”