Jim Jefferies has called for his Hearts side to kick-start another unbeaten run against St Johnstone on Saturday following a first loss in 11 Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches at leaders Celtic.
Following a run of 10 wins and 31 points out of a possible 33 in 11 SPL games, Hearts suffered a comprehensive 4-0 loss at Celtic on Wednesday night, with Anthony Stokes (two), James Forrest and Paddy McCourt on target at Parkhead.
"There's no gloom about this place," said the 60-year-old Jefferies, who has now been in his second spell as Hearts boss for one year. "It's about how we react to the result. Wednesday's game will be forgotten if we can bounce back on Saturday against St Johnstone."
He added: "It's a chance for us now to try and go on as good a run as we had the last time."
Asked whether he wanted his players to view their campaign as a title challenge, Jefferies said third place remained the target and called for his players to "just keep doing what they're doing".
He added: "We're on track to have a good season. Last year we were struggling a wee bit.
"You can't just come in in one season and turn it round to win a championship. You've got to be realistic. The players have showed great improvement on last year and we'll continue to try and do that and see where it takes us at the end of the season."
Jefferies knows his side were not at their best at Celtic, but hopes his players are better able to cope in future clashes with the Old Firm.
He added: "Sometimes the pressure itself, mental tiredness comes in when they're producing week-in, week-out.
"And then you go in against the top two, who are used to it because they're having to face it every week. It's something we can learn from. If we keep in touch with them the next time they come round, you've got to know what to expect. They've had a taste of it."
Source: PA
