Hearts manager Craig Levein believes a weight has been lifted off Kyle Lafferty's shoulders after the forward went public about his addiction to gambling.

The Northern Irish international opened up on his problems earlier this week in a revealing interview.

Lafferty has started well despite carrying such a burden, contributing six goals in ten appearances since arriving in Edinburgh during the summer.

His boss is hopeful the 30-year-old's performances will improve further now he is taking steps to rid himself of his addiction.

Levein said: "The overwhelming feeling has been one that he has been very brave to do what he has done. He has been very well supported by a lot of people.

"It is a terrible addiction but we are all hopeful he can overcome it and he is certainly approaching things now with the right attitude. It must have been difficult for him."

He added: "He turns up every day with a smile on his face and is the life and soul of the dressing room. The players have really taken to him but it must have had an impact inside.

"We are hoping this first step will enable him to enjoy his life a bit more. He is a human being. If he has these worries going on in his head it must have an effect even if on the surface he is quite a jovial character.

"If he can get rid of the addiction and feel good about himself then I think his performances on the park will improve as well."

While the club were aware of Lafferty's past misdemeanours before he signed - he was fined £23,000 in August of last year for a betting offence - it was only when he approached coach Austin MacPhee for advice that the true extent of his betting became clear.

"When we signed him, we signed him as a football player," said Levein.

"Obviously we do do background checks and maybe there were some things in the background that said he liked to have a bet at times but it was not something at the forefront of our thoughts when he joined.

"It was only about four or five weeks ago that he approached Austin to explain the situation to him, since then we have done everything we can to help him."

He added: "But again, he needs to want to help himself and by going public he has shown he is serious about trying to help himself.

"People have problems. We are in the business of bringing people to the football club. You don't always know what their problems are until they are here.

"You notice they aren't playing well, you sit down and have a chat and you find out that things are troubling them"

The Hearts manager also praised former Celtic striker John Hartson, who phoned the striker on Monday to offer advice after also suffering from gambling addiction during his playing career.

"I know John Hartson gave him a call on Monday," he said.

"He has obviously been through this difficult situation and has advice I am sure will help Kyle."

Levein expects the 30-year-old, who missed training on Wednesday due to illness, to be fit for Hearts visit to Dens Park on Saturday.