PARTICK Thistle boss Alan Archibald thinks his old manager Craig Levein is the perfect man to lead Hearts through stormy waters.

Archibald was still on the books at Dundee United when Levein took up the reins at Tannadice in 2006.

Levein has now returned to management after a three-year spell as director of football for Hearts and will take his side to face Archibald’s team tomorrow..

“I played under Craig for a spell so I know what he’s like and how prepared he will be,” said Archibald. “His planning is always meticulous and so well-organised.

“I wasn’t surprised to see him back in the dugout. Once you’ve done the job I don’t think it ever leaves you and there’s always a desire to get back to it.

“He will make Hearts a bit harder to beat. They needed the ship steadied a bit after a turbulent few months. Craig is still a very good manager and he will make them organised first and foremost.

“But they have quality players like Jamie Walker too so they have enough craft and guile to make them more than a team that is only hard to beat. People are well aware they still have a very good squad.”