ROBBIE NEILSON is doing overtime at Hearts to keep his place in the team and lead his side to the title.

The Jambos full-back revealed the club's clutch of new foreigners haven't just impressed on the field since joining in the transfer window.

Their good habits are rubbing off all around Riccarton as Graham Rix's side bid to pile the pressure on Celtic with a win tonight at Dundee United.

Neilson, 25, is rubbing shoulders on a daily basis with a United Nations of talent from 14 countries with a varied menu of preparation for match days.

In the past Neilson and the Scots players at the club thought nothing of walking off the training pitch at the end of a squad session for a warm shower followed by a bowl of pasta.

But they are being encouraged to linger longer by new team-mates who think nothing of going into extra time every day in a bid to fine tune their talents.

Neilson said: "The arrival of the new players has undoubtedly raised the standards at the club.

"We're turning out with and against a different class of player every day in training and it's fantastic for those of us who have been at the club a while as it will only improve our performances.

"We're aware we've had to raise our game, even in training, but it can only benefit us as a team in the long run.

"At a club the size of Hearts your position is always under threat so it's down to the players who are in the side to do all they can to keep their place.

"If that means staying behind after training and giving a little extra time to improve yourself, so be it.

"We've been doing more overtime recently, following the example of the European lads who do it more often as it's the done thing over there. The Scottish lads have taken them up on it and now we're staying behind and working longer as well.

"We're only talking around 20 minutes but we're working even more closely on our passing, touch and shooting. It's enjoyable and it can make a difference."

The last time Hearts came close to the title was in 1998. They won the Scottish Cup but finally finished third, seven points adrift of champions Celtic.

Jim Jefferies assembled a side that season that could compete on a one-off with the Old Firm but maintaining consistency over the course of a campaign was a problem because squad numbers were limited.

It is not a scenario that will be repeated this season after Vladimir Romanov bankrolled 11 new signings in January, a total unsurpassed by any British club.

Neilson added: "I was a youth player in 1998 when we had a squad of 14 very good players but once we were hit by injuries the team struggled and it has always been the case here until this season.

"In the last 15 years it has been difficult for any club out with the Old Firm to sustain a push for the title but hopefully that will b e different now.

"We have brought in good, quality players and if we do pick up injuries or suspensions the standard of players standing by is really high.

"We've not had strength in depth like this for a long time, certainly not since I've been at Hearts.

"There are 28 players looking for a game every week and that can only raise the standards at the club." Neilson, who captained the Scotland Future squad in December, has been a standout this season and was rewarded last week with anew three-year contract.

He has repelled all challengers for his position and wants to start delivering trophy success to repay the faith Romanov has shown in his club.

Neilson said: "These are exciting times at a club that's going places and if I left Hearts the only way would be down. We appreciate there is more pressure on us now but we're determined to deliver.

"We face a difficult game at Tannadice and last season a draw from a game at Dundee United would have been a good result.

"Now we have to look to win every game we play if we're going to challenge Celtic at the top of the table and put the pressure on them."

Rix now has the unenviable task of keeping happy the most multi-cultural dressing room since UB40 last went on tour, but you won't hear a cheep of complaint from the former Chelsea coach.

Rix said: "It's very rare you are able to play the same team because of injuries and suspensions but now I have quality replacements and I'm a lucky guy. I will have 23 players ready to travel for the United game and that's 23 quality players bursting a gut to get into my team.

"We face a tough game against United but if we prepare and approach the match properly I hope we can keep our momentum going."

TEAMSHEET

DUNDEE UNITED striker Jim McIntyre is rated doubtful with a neck injury.

Charlie Mulgrew returns to the squad after missing the draw at Celtic as part of his loan agreement from the Hoops. Defenders Paul Ritchie and Lee Mair are still out.

Provisional squad: Stillie, Mulgrew, McCracken, Archibald, McInnes, Miller, Robson, Kerr, Brebner, Duff, Fernandez, Goodwillie, Samuel, Gardiner, Samson, Kenneth, Robertson, Cameron.

Taken from the Daily Record