Michael Smith hopes Hearts can head into the World Cup with renewed confidence after a demanding run of autumn fixtures.
The Jambos are within touching distance of third place, where they finished last season and obtained Europa Conference League group stage football. That Group A run has put a heavy burden of matches upon Robbie Neilson's men but they have coped well amid a testing run of fixtures every few days.
Now veteran full-back Smith wants to ensure Hearts aren't pondering a defeat over their four-week hiatus as Livingston come to Edinburgh this afternoon. The Northern Ireland international said ahead of the match at Tynecastle: "It’s been fine. There have been some good results and bad results, but I think we’re starting to pick up some form now. We’ve got one last game before the World Cup and we want to end it on a high. The group and coaching staff have been brilliant. The attitude has been spot-on. With the break coming, I think everyone needs a bit of a rest. We’ll come back in December, do a sort of mini pre-season, and then look forward to the rest of the season.
READ MORE: Robbie Neilson in Rangers time-wasting claim with Hearts boss unhappy with three minutes injury time
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
“We know what to expect. You’re always going to be up against it – they’re usually up for it so we need to do the same and go out at Tynecastle and play our game. We’re getting back to it and you can see it within the players."
There's also been some special praise reserved for Nathaniel Atkinson and Toby Sibbick, who are capable of playing Smith's right-back role.
He added: “Toby was maybe just suffering a lack of confidence. We always knew he was a good player but these last few weeks, he’s been a rock. Natty’s had a few wee injury problems and now he’s back and in the World Cup squad.”
READ NEXT:
- Hearts narrowly lose out at Rangers as Premiership becomes congested - three things we learned
- Cammy Devlin shelves Hearts and Hibs rivalry as he talks Boyle and Cummings Australia connection
- Jorge Grant Hearts red card appeal fails as midfielder set to miss Rangers and Livingston tussles
- Hearts star Cammy Devlin's tears of joy after Australia World Cup call revealed by Graham Arnold
