Haring woe may spark new signing

Hearts are so concerned by Peter Haring’s groin injury that they are pondering signing another holding midfielder to cover for the Austrian.

Haring is doubtful for Friday’s opening Betfred Cup tie against Dundee United due to a problem which has persisted since last season. He did not travel to Ireland for last week’s pre-season tour and medical staff are treating the injury cautiously.

Manager Craig Levein admitted yesterday that he may need to recruit a midfield deputy until until Haring’s problem subsides.

Pain in the groin sidelined the player for six weeks between April and May, but he returned to play in the Scottish Cup final. Hearts hoped rest over the summer would see him return injury-free but he is still troubled by the same issue.

“Peter is progressing, but slowly. I knew I was taking a bit of a risk by playing him in the cup final but I thought it would settle down over the summer,” explained Levein.

“He still feels something and we are taking a wee backwards step before we push on again. It’s quite difficult to diagnose these things. There are so many parts in that area [of the body] that are reliant on others and, if something is