Head coach Neil Critchley admits his Hearts side are well aware of what they need to do ahead of Sunday’s Premiership encounter against Dundee United at Tynecastle.
Three points for the me in maroon in Gorgie on Sunday would be a positive step to securing a spot in the top six and Critchley admits there’s excitement within the group heading into the match.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Critchley said:
“We're attacking these games with positivity and optimism. I've never been involved in a split before. It's exciting, we know what we need to do. It's in our hands, which is positive. We know we have two tough fixtures, but it's all to play for.
"Hopefully after this round of games it's still in our hands. We play on Sunday, other teams play before us, so we'll know where we are and what we need to do."
Critchley is hopeful of being able to call upon further defensive reinforcements as injured players like Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, Frankie Kent and Jamie McCart near a return.
“The squad is looking really healthy,” he continued. “We've got Gerald, who got injured on international duty, who will be out. Craig Halkett was on the bench last week against Celtic. Frankie Kent's trained this week.
“Stephen Kingsley was ill at the start of the week, but he was out training today. But they've been out on the grass, joining the squad and training, so, yeah, we've got lots of bodies and strength and depth. I'm going to be, unfortunately, disappointing a few people in the next few games.
“Jamie McCart hopefully as well, he's trained this week. No complications, no issues. We just have to decide whether he feels as though he's done enough, and we'll speak to our medical team and make that decision. But so far, the players have returned, there's been no complications, no issues, they've trained, they're feeling good.
“It's nice to have their presence on the pitch, their experience and seniority back into the group. They've got good voices around the dressing room, they add a lot to the group, and you can see how keen they are to be involved, because I think they sense that we could be in for a really good end to the season.”
On Sunday’s opponents, Critchley added: “Obviously, you're getting promoted and you have that momentum sometimes, and that feel-good factor. Jim's obviously a very experienced manager, and they've done incredibly well. It was such a close, tough game we had against them away from home, fine margins on the day, and we're expecting nothing more than a really tough, awkward game on Sunday.
"They went to Aberdeen a few weeks ago and got a good point there. They've bounced back from a Derby defeat and won at Ross County, and that's obviously another tough place to go to, a clean sheet and winning the game. I'm sure they'll be in good spirits and they're in front of us, so it's up to us to be the home team and try to take the game to them.
You can watch Neil’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
