Robertson takes reins at Hearts

Hearts yesterday appointed John Robertson as their new manager. The 40-year-old succeeds Craig Levein at the club where he became a goalscoring legend during his playing career.

Hearts yesterday appointed John Robertson as their new manager. The 40-year-old succeeds Craig Levein at the club where he became a goalscoring legend during his playing career.

Robertson began his coaching career at Livingston before taking over as manager at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with whom Hearts agreed a compensation deal last night. Levein joined Leicester City last Friday.

Robertson emerged as the fans' favourite to replace Levein following his success in guiding Caley to the Premier League. Robertson, who scored 215 league goals for Hearts, had been at Inverness for nearly two years.

The Hearts striker Mark de Vries may start tonight's Uefa Cup match against Schalke after returning to training. The Dutch forward has not played since the goalless draw with Livingston on 3 October because of a poisoned toe. The midfielder Phil Stamp is struggling to be fit for the game because of a calf injury.