Source: Team_Talk
Stewart: Hearts are beating
Hearts moved five points above Dundee United in third place in the Scottish Premier League after Stewart struck the only goal of a scrappy encounter at Tannadice on Saturday.
Hearts played without a recognised striker, midfielder Adrian Mrowiec playing out of position in only his second start for the club.
With Marius Zaliukas still suspended, they also had an unfamiliar central defensive partnership of Christos Karipidis and Eggert Jonsson.
But they ground out a crucial victory thanks to Stewart's powerful 20-yard drive into the bottom corner, with their only shot on target of the game.
They were also grateful for the performance of Janos Balogh, who saved Francisco Sandaza's late penalty after Jonsson had been harshly penalised by Eddie Smith for a challenge on the Spaniard.
The victory against the odds prompted Hearts fans to sing of European adventures.
And, although the topic is not often discussed among the players and coaching staff, Stewart is starting to believe the team's momentum can carry them into next season's Europa League.
The 28-year-old said: "It's something we've not spoken much about but throughout the season the gaffer has reiterated the point that if we can keep ourselves in and around the top six, and give ourselves the chance of challenging for third, then the longer the season goes on, the better.
"It just seems that, the longer the season has gone on, we have gone from strength to strength.
"Any hurdle that has been out in our way, if we stumble at the first one, then we get up and carry on.
"I think a lot of that is down to the mentality the manager has got and what he has instilled in the team."
The Scotland international felt their performance typified their fighting spirit.
He added: "It's not an easy place to come and play football, it's not a fantastic pitch.
"Dundee United play a lot of long balls and have got big players that make it difficult.
"At times it can be very scrappy but we made sure we were difficult to beat and thankfully we managed to get a goal to nick three points."
United have now only won one SPL game in 2009 but manager Craig Levein is relaxed about the five-point deficit after being encouraged by his team's performance.
Balogh made a double save from Sandaza and Paul Caddis in the first half and Darren Dods had an effort cleared off the line.
Levein also gave on-loan Leicester midfielder James Wesolowski a debut as he tries to overcome the absence of the injured Scott Robertson and loss of Willo Flood to Celtic.
"I know it's five points but we've got 11 games left," Levein said.
"The problem has been losing two midfield players. But with Wesolowski getting a game, he is nearly there.
"I have been searching for a balance in midfield but I thought our four were better than their five.
"Sandaza is looking like he is back after injury problems. As for the defence, I think they only had one shot.
"We have done a lot of things right."
