HEARTS boss Craig Levein has been delighted with the development of young centre-back John Souttar.

The 20-year-old has been tipped for big things in Scottish football since breaking into the Dundee United side as a teenager, and was impressive in the1-1 draw at Partick Thistle.

“What really pleased me about John was the way he got back to playing [with the ball at his feet],” said Levein. “He joined in from deep on a few occasions and his range of passing, and way of striking the ball is exceptional.”

Blair Spittal had scored the opener for Thistle, who are still searching for their first win of the season, and manager Alan Archibald was frustrated to see a crucial call go against his side, with replays inconclusive on whether Callachan’s header crossed the line.

He said: “When you’re down at the bottom and haven’t won a game, these things become harder and it always seems to happen a lot more, but it was a good positive performance.”