Hearts' Ryan must be patient, insists JJ

RYAN STEVENSON'S desperation to score for Hearts is playing on the midfielder's mind, according to manager Jim Jefferies, who believes the player is overly anxious to open his SPL account.

The 26-year-old has gone tantalisingly close in recent matches, hitting the crossbar against Dundee United and forcing a fingertip save from Celtic's Fraser Forster with an effort from distance at the weekend.

Jefferies today advised Stevenson, who scored almost once every three games with First Division Ayr United, that goals will come if he remains patient.

"The trouble with Ryan is he's so desperate to score because he scored a lot of goals in the lower divisions. He just tries too hard," explained the manager. "He hit the bar against Dundee United and was really unlucky.

"I think he's so determined that he's maybe causing himself problems because he's trying too hard to burst the ball when he's shooting. Sometimes when you haven't scored you just want to get off the mark but there are times when you need to realise the shot isn't on. Then you need to bring it down and give it to others, then get into the box. He's very keen to do well and I'm sure in time he will prove to be a good player for us."

Jefferies will consider employing Stevenson as an attacking central midfielder in forthcoming matches after using him as a striker of late and in a wide left capacity against Celtic.

"Ryan can play that attacking midfield role and he's done very well up front. The suspension at the start of the season didn't do him any favours but he will get better and better. He has a determination about him to make up for lost time after what happened to him.

"He was at Hearts as a kid and it didn't work out for him but he's got the hunger and desire not to pass up this chance now. He's a player every team needs."