Neilson and co in good heart

The Jambos stretched their lead over the Light Blues at the top of the Championship to nine points with a 2-0 home win over Ally McCoist's side to keep them firmly on course for the title and promotion.

Neilson knows his team face a bigger test against the Premiership-leading Hoops in the fourth round of the cup at Tynecastle but insists his young side will be better prepared for it following their victory over their title rivals.

The former Jambos defender told HeartsTV: "We are looking forward to it.

"Obviously getting the result against Rangers last week was good for the confidence of the players and it gives them a boost going into a huge game for us.

"Celtic are coming to Tynecastle and they are probably the best team in Scotland so it will be a big test for us and it is a great game to be involved in."

The win over Rangers came at a cost for Hearts however, as defender Kevin McHattie was ruled out for six weeks with a medial ligament injury to his left knee following a challenge by Gers striker Kenny Miller.

Neilson revealed he is looking to add to his squad when the transfer window opens in January.

He said: "There's definitely the potential to bring more players in. We're always looking to add.

"There will probably be a little bit of movement in the January window, with players maybe going out and coming in.

"We have to be ready and we're already in the process of scouting and making contact with players that we think can benefit the team.

"We have to make sure we get the right character and the right player that's going to come in and add to the squad."