Hearts boss Craig Levein: Accies no tougher than other Scottish teams

Hearts boss Craig Levein believes the Scottish Premiership is a physical league but doesn't see Hamilton as being more physical than others. Picture: SNS Group

Accies were accused by Hibernian boss Neil Lennon of playing “caveman” football following the 1-1 Ladbrokes Premiership draw at the SuperSeal stadium last week.

However, Levein is relaxed about the prospect of facing Martin Canning’s side, who are unbeaten in five games and one point behind the seventh-placed Jambos.

“This league is physical,” he said.

“Neil was maybe just frustrated. I watched the game. I think Hamilton had two shots on goal and scored one of them and we had 23 and couldn’t score with any (against Ross County).

“So there is an element of frustration there.

“They are a hard team to play against.

“They had a little bit of a tricky spell early on then got a couple of wins, maybe against the run of play but they have managed to pick up points and because of that they are obviously feeling more confident.

“They went to Ibrox and won and as I say, things have turned round for Martin and I am delighted that is the case.

“They are physical, of course they are, but that is something we expect every week.

“They are a good side, they have some good players and will always work really hard.

“Hamilton have always been like that, as long as I can remember.

“We know what to expect this week for sure. It will be a physical contest, but I just think they all are, I really do.

“We have Motherwell coming up and that’s another one.

“I just think that’s the nature of the game in Scotland.”

Hearts have gone five games without a victory and have drawn 1-1 with Partick Thistle and 0-0 with Ross County since returning to Tynecastle with its refurbished main stand.

However, Levein, insists that fact is not starting to weigh heavy.

“Not at all,” said the former Hearts defender.

“The fact that we are back home felt good in the last two games and we have been improving week on week so I am not worried about that at all.

“We should have won both games.

“There is not an awful lot we can do other than keep creating chances and it is up to us to put the ball in the back of the net.

“I was really pleased with the way we played last week.

“I am seeing signs of progress on the field and on the training ground so I don’t think there us any issues.”