Hearts ponder midfielder signing as Peter Haring injury issues persist

Peter Haring has been troubled by a groin injury. Pic: SNS

Haring is doubtful for Friday’s opening Betfred Cup tie against Dundee United due to a problem which has persisted since last season. He did not travel to Ireland for last week’s pre-season tour and medical staff are treating the injury cautiously.

Manager Craig Levein admitted today that he may need to recruit a midfield deputy until Haring’s problem subsides.

Pain in the groin sidelined the player for six weeks between April and May, but he returned to play in the Scottish Cup final. Hearts hoped rest over the summer would see him return injury-free, but he is still troubled by the same issue.

“Peter is progressing, but slowly. I knew I was taking a bit of a risk by playing him in the cup final but I thought it would settle down over the summer,” explained Levein.

“He still feels something and we are taking a wee backwards step before we push on again. It’s quite difficult to diagnose these things. There are so many parts in that area [of the body] that are reliant on others and, if something is wrong in one, it can cause compensation and strain elsewhere.

“I was hoping he’d be fit by now but he’s not. That’s a wee bit of a worry because we don’t have anyone else like him.

“Arnaud [Djoum], who is no longer on the books, would be the next player closest to Peter. That’s something I might have to look at, with regard to bringing another one in for that position, which is such an important position.”