Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo hailed midfielder Michael Stewart after he turned from villain to hero by scoring the winner in the Co-operative Insurance Cup clash against Celtic.

Stewart, booed by his own fans during Saturday's goalless draw against Falkirk in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, put the visitors ahead from the spot in the 58th minute after Hoops left-back Danny Fox had tripped Christian Nade inside the Celtic box.

And Tony Mowbray's side were unable to conjure an equaliser despite creating numerous chances.

"It was an important game after the game against Falkirk when we didn't play good football and the supporters booed Michael Stewart," Laszlo said.

"It was important for Michael to show that he is always there for us, you can't buy his experience and I was happy that he didn't miss the penalty.

"Everyone must understand that we need the supporters, not only when we win five or six nothing. We can't do anything without the supporters and the supporters can't do anything without us."