Three things we learned from Dunfermline-Hearts

Case for defence

Hearts desperately need to sign a central defender before this weekend’s league match at Kilmarnock. Aaron Hughes’ calf problem forced him off at half-time to exacerbate the situation somewhat given captain Christophe Berra is sidelined for six months. Manager Craig Levein hopes to have another centre-back in place before the trip to Rugby Park.

General Lee

Midfielder Olly Lee is becoming a key man for Hearts

Olly Lee seems to have developed a fondness for the Betfred League Cup. His goals from midfield are becoming a huge tonic for Hearts, especially in this competition. The Englishman scored in the group phase away at Cove Rangers and his winner on Saturday secured a place in the tournament’s last eight. Plucked from the relative obscurity of League Two in England, he is developing into a key player at Tynecastle.

Pars potential

Dunfermline are a Championship side only in name. There is no question Allan Johnston’s players would be capable of stepping up into the Premiership based on Saturday’s evidence. They competed well and created numerous goalscoring chances throughout the 90 minutes. Had it not been for Zdenek Zlamal in the Hearts goal, they would at the very least have forced extra-time.