Hearts duo miss SPL opener

Hearts boss Craig Levein says that both Jamie McAllister and Mark de Vries will miss the start of the season with hamstring injuries.

Levein had to take both men off during the club's pre-season friendly with Fulham, and believes they will miss their SPL curtain-raiser.

Although both men are not seriously injured, they will not be ready in time for their opening-day fixture with Dundee

"Mark is a bit frustrated but it's nothing too serious," said Levein.

"He felt his hamstring was a bit tight and we thought it would be best to take him off as a precaution.

"Jamie overstretched slightly and has strained his hamstring as well so both might be out next week.

"We're looking at maybe 10 days or so to recover, certainly nothing as long as four weeks or anything like that, but you would prefer to have all your players available."

Levein was more upbeat about the role Michael Stewart could play for them this season once the Manchester United loanee is fully fit.

"I brought Michael on just after half-time so that he could get a reception from the fans.

"He isn't fully fit yet and you can tell that he hasn't played a lot of games but for 20 minutes he looked first class.

"There is no doubt that once he is 100% that he will be a real asset for us."