ANOTHER CLEAN SHEET AND LEVEIN PRAISES HIS HEROES

HEARTS boss Craig Levein heaped praise on his defence and goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin as they set a club record for consecutive clean sheets after a goalless draw at Aberdeen.

The Dons threw everything at Hearts at Pittodrie yesterday but John Souttar and McLaughlin, in particular, were impressive in preventing the hosts from breaking the deadlock.

‘It is the first time in the club’s history and their names are in the record books,’ said Levein. ‘It was a really tough match for us and the players deserve credit as their work rate was fantastic. We had chances to win the game as well.

‘John Souttar was imperious against Hibs the other night and was just as good today. He is developing into a top centre-half and his composure and passing was excellent.

‘Our goalkeeper made three really good saves, too, but I would argue our chances were better and, had things gone our way, it could’ve been a different outcome.’

Derby are set to make a bid for Souttar, but Levein insisted that the player should aim higher than the English Championship.

‘I couldn’t rule anything out but I haven’t heard anything at all,’ he said. ‘If he keeps improving, then I don’t think he’ll need to worry about Championship clubs.’

Levein believes that referee John Beaton was wrong to send off Kyle Lafferty. The Northern Irishman wiped out Graeme Shinnie in the final minutes, and was shown a straight red.

‘I’m thrilled for the boys and the only disappointment was Kyle Lafferty’s sending-off,’ he said. ‘He is chasing back and in a recovery position. When you tackle, you have to get it right.

‘I thought it was really harsh and it’s a particularly sour note for him as we’re heading into a break and he’ll have that on his mind.’

His adversary, Derek McInnes, disagreed, saying: ‘It’s a red card. A manager will always try to defend his players but I don’t think it can be defended.

‘It’s a complete rush of blood and it’s not a tackle he needs to make as he has a team-mate there covering. He comes in at 100 miles an hour and his intention is to foul Graeme Shinnie, not win the ball. It’s a clear red card.’