LEVEIN: DERBY WIN IS IDEAL TONIC FOR DONS TIE

CRAIG LEVEIN insists the ‘enormous’ lift of their derby victory can fire Hearts to Betfred Cup success tomorrow night. And he is further encouraged by an improving injury situation despite losing Steven Naismith for several more weeks. Sunday’s 2-1 victory at Easter Road has lifted some of the pressure on the manager after a dismal start to the league season. Levein is now looking to build on their first league win when they take on Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup quarter-finals at Tynecastle, although a hamstring problem will keep Naismith (right) out. ‘I think it will be two or three weeks before he’s back,’ said the manager. ‘We decided to take him back out of training completely just to let the whole thing settle down. ‘Peter Haring was at Sunday’s game and he’s back in the fold. Jamie Walker is getting better, so it won’t be long until they are back. Ben Garuccio is getting better, John Souttar is improving as well and getting Mick Smith back in the team was a big thing for us. His calmness in defence was very helpful. ‘When we get the other ones back in the team, there will be real competition for places. And hopefully we can climb the table and get where we need to be. ‘I feel our confidence will grow enormously from this. We have a hugely difficult game on Wednesday night and I’m sure that this result and performance will help us in that match.’ Dons midfielder Dean Campbell, meanwhile, is hoping his club’s own injury crisis can allow him to nail down a regular place. After impressing for Derek McInnes’ side during Saturday’s 2-0 win at Livingston, the 18-year-old insists he can challenge Craig Bryson and Funso Ojo for a slot in the engine room when they return from the sidelines. ‘Craig and Funso have played at a high level, so it’s all about competing with them and learning, and I think I’ve done that so far,’ said Campbell. ‘They’ve both got injuries, so I just

need to take my chance. ‘But I’m not hoping to just be in the team because they’re injured. I want to stake my claim and, when the more experienced boys are fit, I want to still be in and around it.’ Campbell was on the end of a crunching tackle from Livingston’s Marvin Bartley but bounced straight back to his feet. The prospect of another physical battle in Gorgie in the League Cup doesn’t faze him. ‘In the technical games, the passing games, I’m able to cope,’ he said. ‘But it’s the games when it’s a bit scrappy that I’ve got to win my battles. That’s what I need to improve on. But games like Livingston are only going to make me a better player. ‘I’m happy that the manager trusts me in big games. Tynecastle is a tight pitch, so we’ve got to be ready for the challenge.’