John's Christmas present

John McGlynn was filled with festive fervour as his Hearts side returned to the top half of the table with a win over Dundee Utd at Tynecastle today.

A double from Ryan Stevenson sent the maroon faithful home into the holiday break with Christmas cheer as the Jambos recorded their sixth home win of the season despite Keith Watson snatching a second-half goal for the Terrors to give the home support a fright.

Speaking after the match, the pleased Gorgie gaffer revealed he thought his side had merited the victory, and singled out John Sutton for praise as the stocky striker helped Hearts battle their way to victory.

"It was a very hard-earned three points and it lifts us a few places back into the top six, where we should be", said John. "We tried to come flying out of the blocks and try to unsettle them. They couldn't handle John Sutton today, and the swirling wind was helping the attackers. John's done brilliantly and set up the first goal".

Hearts return to the top half of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League table today for the first time since late September, and although John felt that his side's position didn't accurately reflect the quality of their play in recent times, he did admit that ultimately football is about results, and picking up points.

"The SPL is a crazy league this year. We've only had 1 defeat in 7, with that being the Celtic game. You can struggle for a bit and still not find yourself too many points back. I think we played better football before we changed the system to 4-4-2, but we're getting goals and wins now and that's what counts".

Finally, heading into a busy festive period of games, the Jambos face three crucial games in the next 10 days, culminating in the New Year's Derby as Hibs visit Tynecastle, with the manager aiming to trump the Leith side by being ahead of them in the table.

"We've got three more hard games in the next week or so, but we can go to Rugby Park with some confidence now. We'd like to be above Hibs, or in the position to leapfrog them, by the time the derby comes. The derby will mean something anyway, but we'd like that extra incentive".

Hearts World