Hearts boss Jim Jefferies felt taking a professional approach against Elgin City paid off with an emphatic 4-0 home triumph.
The Tynecastle boss could have been tempted to rest a host of players for the Co-operative Insurance Cup second-round meeting with the Third Division strugglers but instead paid Ross Jack's side the utmost respect by naming a strong side, including a first start for summer signing Kevin Kyle.
A delighted Jefferies said: "It was a good exercise for us and one that we were very professional about."
He added: "We didn't want to go and make too many changes and then you find boys coming in for the first time.
"It was good for Kevin, Eggert (Jonsson) and Ryan (Stevenson) to get 90 minutes for their fitness, while (Janos) Balogh also got some playing time.
"I think their goalkeeper (Steven Dunn) did well and they did well to keep it down to four, because I think we were probably worthy of two or three more goals."
Counterpart Jack was not too downbeat at the final outcome and feels the experience will stand his squad in good stead as they bid to move off the foot of the Division Three table.
He added: "We took it as a pat on the back that Hearts fielded a strong team. They didn't play fringe players in their starting line-up, so we took a wee bit of credit from that. It was a great experience for our guys.
"I wish Hearts all the best in the next round - good team."
Source: PA
