Craig Levein says Hearts' new head coach will fit the same profile as outgoing boss Robbie Neilson.

The 36-year-old has left Tynecastle to become the new manager of English League One outfit MK Dons after two and a half years in the Scottish capital.

Hearts, who sit second in the Scottish Premiership, are expected to make an official approach for Newcastle United assistant manager Ian Cathro on Friday.

While Levein would not discuss the 30-year-old individually, he outlined the criteria Neilson's replacement would have to meet.

He said: "The profile hasn't changed from Robbie, really.

"We're looking for a young, intelligent, energetic and enthusiastic coach who can help us move on from where we are."

Asked if he had tried to persuade Neilson to stay on at Hearts, Levein was diplomatic, revealing that the young head coach's mind was made up soon after MK Dons made their approach.

The Hearts director of football said: "Robbie's a very logical person. He has always said he wanted to manage at the top level down in England.

"He explained to me that he felt if he could go down to England in a good, stable job and do a good job there, then he would have a better chance of getting a higher level club. He saw that as his pathway.

"Whether I agree with him or not is almost irrelevant.

"I don't want to be disrespectful to MK Dons because they have a bigger stadium than us and they have the potential to be a good team. He goes with my best wishes.

"I have a lot of admiration for him and on a personal level I really like him. He's a good guy and the amount of work he put in here to help get us back to a position where we should be, I will be eternally grateful.

"I think the Hearts fans and certainly the board of directors are as well."

In his debut season, Neilson led Hearts to the Scottish Championship title ahead of Rangers and Hibernian with a record points total of 91 while European football was secured in their first season back in the top flight following a third place finish.