Hearts would still have signed Kyle Lafferty despite gambling problem, says Craig Levein

Hearts boss Craig Levein admits the club did not know the scale of Kyle Lafferty's gambling problem when they signed him - but revealed it would have made no difference to their decision.

The Northern Ireland striker has recently opened up about his gambling addiction, which Levein believes shows Lafferty's seriousness in tackling it.

The Jams fought off Edinburgh rivals Hibernian to sign the 30-year-old on a free transfer from Norwich City this summer, and have vowed to help him, despite his personal troubles.

When asked if he knew just how bad Lafferty's problem was before signing him, Levein said: "No. When we signed him we obviously did background checks.

"Yes, maybe there were some things [indicating] he liked a bet, but it wasn't at the forefront of our thoughts when he joined.

"It was only four or five weeks ago that he approached [assistant boss] Austin MacPhee and explained the situation he was in.

"Since then we've done everything we can to help him. He needs to help himself, but by going public he's shown he's serious about it.

"Would it have put us off signing him had we known beforehand? That's a tough question, but I don't think so.

"Looking at it purely from a football point of view, he has had these problems for ages and, credit to him, he even managed to play at the Euros while it was going on, which I just find remarkable."

Lafferty, whose seven goals helped Northern Ireland qualify for Euro 2016 last year, has thanked the Jambos for their backing and the former Scotland boss is just relieved his player is facing up to the problem.

"I imagine it would be a weight off his shoulders now," Levein added. "He's a human being. If he's got these worries in his head it must have an effect.

"He's quite a jovial character, but even if you don't see the impact on the surface it must be affecting him inside.

"For his sake, we hope he can rid himself of the addiction. But if he can do that and feel good about himself then I'd guess his performances on the park will improve as well.

"It's a terrible addiction, but we're all hopeful he can overcome it. He's certainly approaching things with the right attitude now."