Hearts turn on style in defeat of Hamilton

Arnaud Djoum turns away to celebrate scoring Hearts opening goal in their victory over Hamilton. Picture: SNS.

On this evidence, the time between Hearts' match against Ross County and Saturday's return to action was well spent.

Disappointed not to be involved in the Scottish Cup last weekend, the Tynecastle squad worked to turn that negative into a positive as the team bonded and the manager succeeded in getting his message across in double sessions.

After the recent disturbing run of games without a win, the message had been clear – everyone would continue to work hard to turn things around. True to their word, they reaped their reward against a Hamilton team teetering on the brink of the relegation spot and unable to offer anywhere near enough resistance.

This was a Hearts display that benefited from a determination to work together to channel their talent into one of their best performances under Ian Cathro.

A four-goal victory, it could actually have been double that by half-time had it not been for the resolve of visiting goalkeeper Gary Woods.

The team left the field to applause, with a valuable three points and a well-deserved confidence boost as they head into a tough run of fixtures, against Aberdeen, Celtic and then St Johnstone.

It served as an evolution, with the squad finally finding the sense of unity and the combined drive and understanding that has been lacking in recent games, the work being put in behind the scenes, on and off the training ground, paying off.

“We have been socialising. We have been going out for lunches together. And we have been staying at training all together, morning and afternoon. That is very important,” said Isma Goncalves, pictured. He is one of the nine additions made in January, who have, he says taken time to adjust.

“We need to get to know each other. Most of the players here are new players, so it’s very important that we got together.

“It was Ian Cathro’s idea. It was the players and their families who were there. I think it has made a difference. It is important. It helps.

“A few of the guys have changed country, their lives have changed. It can take a while but it’s going well. I think if you are happy away from the pitch you will be happy on the pitch.”