Hearts boss Craig Levein not worried by Celtic cup clash

Posted Thursday, September 27, 2018 by PA

Hearts manager Craig Levein declared he did not care who or where they play in their Betfred Cup semi-final after setting up a clash with Celtic following a thrilling 4-2 win over Motherwell.

Late goals from Olly Lee and Steven Naismith saw Hearts through and they were promptly drawn against the holders.

With Rangers facing Aberdeen in the other tie and both Glasgow teams in Europa League action on the Thursday before semi-final weekend, there are suggestions that both could take place on Sunday rather than being spread over two days as usual.

BT Murrayfield – where Levein’s side played several home games last season during redevelopment works at Tynecastle – could be an alternative to Hampden for one of the games.

When asked for his reaction to the draw, Levein said: “Not bothered. Honestly, I looked at it and thought ‘what’s the point?’

“There’s three really good teams and for me it’s just about getting to that stage, getting through the game and then we can think about Hampden or wherever it’s going to be.”

On the venue debate, Levein joked: “I tried to phone (Celtic chief executive) Peter Lawwell there but I think his phone was engaged.

“Does it matter if it’s at Murrayfield? Listen, we will play wherever we have to play. I didn’t even know the circumstances really until after the match. It’s not going to be a home tie for anyone. So wherever we play, we will play.”

Levein waxed lyrical about the game after his side bounced back from Curtis Main’s early penalty and Ryan Bowman’s late equaliser, with Steven MacLean and Peter Haring netting in between.

“What a game of football,” he said. “I loved it. I said to the boys at half-time: ‘I wish I was playing’.

“What a brilliant game, right from the beginning. It never let up. I’m just thrilled we managed to get through.

“We definitely deserved it. We missed a host of chances, good chances as well.”

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson was proud of his team’s efforts.

“We lost to a very good side,” he said. “It was a good cup tie and we scored two cracking goals away from home; when you do that, you probably expect to come away with a result.

“It’s the first time this season we’ve had Curtis Main and Ryan Bowman up front together and, after about 60 minutes, their fitness levels dipped and that’s when Hearts started to get into the game.

“The pair of them were a real handful in the first half and Hearts couldn’t deal with them but, eventually, they slowed down. I couldn’t have asked any more from them.”