Levein refuses to gamble on Walker’s fitness as Hearts fall to Lurgan defeat

Craig Levein has vowed not to take any risks with the fitness of Jamie Walker after the Hearts ace was forced to drop out of their clash against Glenavon.

The 26-year- old was set to make his first appearance since re- joining the Jambos from Wigan last week but felt a tweak in his thigh just minutes before kick- off.

Levein revealed Walker offered to play through the pain but the Hearts gaffer drafted Ryan Edwards into the starting line-up instead.

Walker has not played since last December and missed the second half of last season after undergoing knee surgery. Although he could feature against Inverness tomorrow, Levein is inclined to err on the side of caution.

The manager said: “Jamie felt his thigh just before kick- off and I didn’t want to take a chance.

“He feels like it wasn’t major – he didn’t tear or pull anything – but there was a little discomfort. We’ll see what happens. If it is very minor then he might play on Monday night. If not I have a decision to make regarding where he is in his quest for fitness.

“It happened so close to kick- off that we’ve not had the time to explore too much further.”

Levein insists several sloppy stars blew an opportunity to stake their claim for a jersey as Hearts slipped to defeat at

Mourneview. Aidy White, making his first appearance in 30 months following a brutal battle with a debilitating groin injury, was a bright spark for the Jambos and showed flashes of quality down the left flank.

However, it was another of the debutants who came closest for the v isitors, w ith Northern I reland internationalist Conor Washington rippling the side netting with a fizzing low drive.

Glenavon broke the deadlock in 37 minutes when Harry Cochrane was punished for a wayward pass, allowing Stephen Murray to scamper through on goal and slot a clinical low finish beyond Zdenek Zlamal.

The Lurgan outfit doubled their advantage on the hour mark when towering trialist Matthew Ferguson rose highest to power home a header.

Hearts came close through Connor Smith before they did manage to halve the deficit in the dying moments.

Substitute Sean Clare arrived in the box to meet an Edwards cross and dispatch a first- time shot past James Taylor but Glenavon held firm for the win.

Levein said: “I’m slightly disappointed, they were more up for it than us. Being the underdogs gave them a reason to roll their sleeves up and we didn’t react to that. We didn’t do enough.

“What I am interested in is who wants to play in that game against Dundee United? Some of the players didn’t do themselves any favours.

“This time of year is always difficult – some players are behind, you’re trying to get minutes in legs. But I’m sti l l disappointed by the performance.

“It’s a timely reminder for some of the players ahead of the upcoming Betfred Cup campaign.”