Stevie Frail has hailed the determination the Hearts players have shown to push themselves into contention for a top-six SPL finish.In a season plagued by inconsistency until the turn of the year, Hearts slumped to second bottom of the SPL two months ago following an embarrassing run of five straight defeats.

However, the appointment of Frail in the dugout with full managerial autonomy has seen an upturn in the club's fortunes.

The Tynecastle side have won five of their last seven league matches and are just one point behind sixth-placed Falkirk ahead of Saturday's trip to St Mirren.

Frail said: "It's the same team and same squad that lost back in December.

"They have picked themselves up and they deserve the credit for the way they have gone about their business.

"Okay, we have had two heavy defeats against the Old Firm but we have had five wins.

"These are the guys that have dragged us back in and are looking to make the top six.

"They are doing it with a smile on their face.

"There is a real buzz about the place and they want to play for each other.

"Europe looks a distant hope and dream, we know that.

"I do believe we can get into the top six, however,

"The teams above us are playing well and they have been picking up points as well.

"We know the task because of where we have had to come from.

"We were second bottom of the league at one point and it was not nice to see it."

Meanwhile, winger Audrius Ksanavicius insists it didn't take him long to decide to pledge his future to the club.

The Lithuanian signed a new year-long loan deal earlier this week.

He said: "The biggest factor in signing a new deal for me is that when I first came to Hearts and to the dressing room, I felt at home immediately.

"I was very well taken in and I understood all the other players. That was the biggest part in staying."

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