Giovanni van Bronckhorst has refused to single out John Souttar after a torrid match against Livingston powerhouse Joel Nouble.

The big striker outmuscled league debutant Souttar before firing the first goal after five minutes of the match and went on to get the better of the Hearts man for the remainder of the match.

Souttar was withdrawn for James Sands after 67 minutes.

And while van Bronckhorst was very critical of the goal, describing it as "impossible", he refused the opportunity to criticise his new signing.

He told the BBC: "It's a very easy goal. It should not have happened. We knew the strength of Livingston with the long balls and second balls so we weren't sharp enough in that moment.

Asked about Souttar he said: "Not just him, the whole defence. It was how we were setting up. No duel when the ball comes and a free header inside. It's impossible.

"We have to react better to the second ball.

"We will be fine. It's the first game of the season.

"We have to learn from it and be stronger in the coming games."