McKenna to get Hearts chance at Dundee

Hearts manager Craig Levein is set to hand on loan Canadian international Kevin McKenna his debut against Dundee at Dens Park.

Central defender McKenna, who has joined until the end of the season, has impressed Levein during training and earned himself a further period to persuade the Tynecastle boss to offer him a more permanent deal.

Levein admits the loan signing from German club Energie Cottbus is well on the way to securing a longer-term deal already.

"Kevin has signed until the end of the season on loan. He's done well, he's looked like a decent player," said Levein.

"That's why, rather than take him on trial and look for games, we've decided to just take the lad.

"He's got a good pedigree. He's played for Canada and in the Bundesliga and we decided to just take him and use the loan period as a trial."

Meanwhile, Levein believes that his side can take great confidence from their 3-0 midweek win over CIS Insurance Cup finalists Kilmarnock.

The Edinburgh club moved to within three points of Killie with the victory and look sure to secure a top six place before the league splits in two for the final five games.

But Levein insists Hearts will not underestimate Dundee despite winning a recent Scottish Cup quarter-final against them.

"Just look at the results they have had - going to Ibrox and winning 2-0," said Levein.

"I don't know when the last time that happened but you can't fail to be impressed by that.

"We ground out a result in the cup against Dundee up there and I would settle for the same on Sunday.

"I was encouraged by the 90 minutes against Kilmarnock the other night.

"They are a hard team to break down. They are well organised, fit, they close you down and don't give you much time on the ball and we won 3-0."

Meanwhile, Dundee player-boss Ivano Bonetti insists midfielder Gavin Rae is going nowhere.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from Tayside but Bonetti believes Rae has a great future at the club.

"Gavin Rae is an important player for us and is part of my plans for the future at Dens Park. He is going nowhere," said Bonetti.

"The game against Hearts is a very important one. We need to get the three points.

"I know we have not beaten Hearts this season but that is an old story and this is now a new game."