Hearts manager Craig Levein has insisted that veteran striker Steven MacLean is very much in is thoughts – despite only starting two of the Jambos seven games so far.

The 37-year-old has been frustrated by his lack of game-time and the Tynecastle boss told how he is in “consideration” for tomorrow’s clash with Celtic.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 19: Craig Levein, manager of Hearts and Neil Lennon, Interim manager of Celtic on discussion prior to the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 19, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Levein joked that the striker forgets he’s nearly the same age as him but admits that he’s “always” in his thoughts for selection.

“Steven is always in my thoughts. He gets frustrated sometimes because he isn’t playing every week but he forgets he’s nearly as old as me,” Levein joked to the Evening News.

“He is a kid at heart. He is always in my thoughts and he is definitely in consideration for tomorrow.”

The Jambos face Celtic at Parkhead tomorrow and will face a really tough test against the Champions.

4th May 2019, Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland; Ladbrokes Premiership football, Heart of Midlothian versus Kilmarnock; Steven MacLean of Hearts slides in to tackle Rory McKenzie of Kilmarnock
(Photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)

With Jamie Walker out of action with a broken leg, it could open up a space for MacLean in the Hearts starting XI but Levein would be more likely to play with two wide men and a more conservative midfield trio supporting a lone striker.

If MacLean does get the nod, the veteran is always going to work hard and try to bring others into the game so it could be that which sways Levein’s decision one way or the other.

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