HEARTS boss Craig Levein hailed skipper Christophe Berra for being a rock at the back during their 2-1 victory at Ross County.

Hearts dug out a fine win with 10 men after Connor Randall was sent off to stay just outside the top six

Jamie Walker sealed the victory in the Highlands, but Scotland international Berra was the one who again caught Levein’s eye along with fellow stopper John Souttar.

He said: “Christophe Berra has been a massive signing for us and when games develop in that way he deals with balls being thrown into the box.

“I was thrilled also with the performance of John Souttar. He did fantastically well as he usually does but he must have won four or five really important headers. He is turning into a top class centre back.”

It was a second win from five games for Levein since his return to the dugout, and he is encouraged by signs of progress.

“The players have dug in every week,” he said.