Levein lays down the gauntlet

MARK BONTHRONE

HEARTS boss Craig Levein today challenged his players to maintain their excellent home form right through to the end of the season by winning both of their remaining matches at Tynecastle.

The Gorgie club have not lost a domestic game to anyone outwith the Old Firm for 18 months and with the season drawing to a close, Levein is keen to extend that record.

Dunfermline are the visitors tomorrow with the Jambos knowing a point will help them secure third spot in the table for a second successive season.

However, Levein insists that nobody is thinking about playing for a share of the spoils and the players will be going all out for the victory. Although we know we only need a point we go into every game looking to win," he said. "It’s something like 18 months since anybody outwith the Old Firm have beaten us at home and it would be nice to see that through to the end of the season."

"Records are there to be broken of course and Dunfermline know they have to win the game," added Levein whose side close their campaign on Sunday week against Motherwell at Tynecastle.

Phil Stamp and Andy Kirk are both expected to be available for tomorrow.

Taken from the Scotsman