Hearts boss Jim Jefferies hailed his players for an "excellent comeback" in their 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park which extended their unbeaten run in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to 10 games.
Killie were ahead at the break thanks to Portuguese striker Rui Miguel's 19th-minute strike. However, a second-half double from substitute Stephen Elliott took all three points back to Gorgie and kept the pressure on the Old Firm at the top of the table ahead of the visit of second-placed Rangers at Tynecastle on Saturday.
"It was a fantastic result for us. Killie have been in fine form but we showed we are made of sterner stuff and giving them a goal of a start and still coming back to beat them on their own patch speaks volumes for the squad," said Jefferies.
"Questions were asked after the disappointment in the cup and we answered them well.
"I thought it was an excellent comeback because right from the kick-off at the start of the second half we had them on the back foot and they never really got going.
"It wasn't really until when it was 1-1 and we were throwing bodies forward, that I was concerned that, after getting back on level terms, we might throw it all away.
"But we got it sorted out and Stephen came up with another great goal and had a wee chance for a hat-trick at the end.
"We had two or three key players out but it showed there was a spirit and determination to keep the run we are on at the moment going."
Source: PA
