Jim Jefferies tells Hearts derby win has set the benchmark

JIM JEFFERIES today told his players that their performance in the 2-1 victory over Hibernian set a benchmark which must be matched in every game until the end of the season.

First-half goals from Andy Driver and Gary Glen were the highlights of an inspired home display before Derek Riordan reduced the deficit with 11 minutes remaining.

Hearts remained composed to close out the game in front 17,126 supporters, Tynecastle's biggest attendance of the season.

Jefferies opined that their dominance justified a more convincing scoreline whilst outlining his satisfaction at the application on show. He said the win set the standard for the remaining eight games of the SPL campaign as Hearts pursue a top-six place.

"That level of performance is what I want between now and the end of the season," he said. "We need that application if we're to have any chance of getting into the top six.

"The performance was so satisfying. So many people said to me that there haven't been many derbies lately where one team have dominated as much as that.

"We put in a great performance and you can't deny that but can't get carried away. We'll temper the win with the fact we still have a lot of work ahead of us. It's not done and dusted just because we put in a good performance against Hibs.

"Saturday shows you what can be done. It proved to me and the backroom staff that the players are capable of doing what they did. That was the big message.

"If they are capable of that, it's up to them to find that application and form consistently.

"One thing that doesn't change from this week to next week is their ability. All that changes is the attitude and application towards the game.

"A display like that lifts everybody at the club and they have to find that on a consistent basis.

"That's the message we'll be driving home. They have set a standard and a level now."

Hearts remain hopeful that captain Michael Stewart will be available to face Rangers this weekend after missing the derby with a calf problem. "The physio said there was more chance of him being ready for the Rangers game than the Hibs game," said Jefferies. "We're trying to get a closed-door game fixed up for tomorrow to give some of the younger boys another game."

Ian Black has recovered from the concussion which forced him off on Saturday but club medics are still assessing Dawid Kucharski, who also left the field during the first half.