Match-winner Craig Thomson last night thanked boss Jim Jefferies for ensuring that Hearts will be as fit as they have been in years come the start of this season.

The academy product was sensational in Hearts' victory over Millwall at the New Den on Saturday, netting two magnificent free-kicks to hand the Gorgie outfit a much deserved victory.

Having not had too many chances since JJ took charge in January - partly through injury - Craig seized upon his big chance in London to force himself right into the reckoning for Saturday 14th August's opener against St Johnstone.

And the Edinburgh-born lad reckons the Jambos seven day stint in the Tuscan mountains of Italy is the reason that Hearts are sure to be absolutely flying.

"We got an absolute doing in Ciocco but even now you can see the difference in the second half of games," Craig said last night.

"In the second half against both Gillingham and Millwall I would say we overran them because they weren't fit enough.

"You saw at the end of the game everyone just kept on going and going and all the players wanted to burst forward.

"So it is great the gaffer has got us this fit and it shows we have been working hard.

"We still have another two games before the start of the season but if we can keep going the way we have been then hopefully we will keep getting results."

Hearts really impressed at Gillingham, but took their performance a level higher against nPower Championship new boys Millwall, something which enthused the manager as it did Craig.

"The great thing for us was that it didn't feel like a pre-season friendly, it felt like a match that really did matter," he continued.

"It felt like a league game, it was that intense, that quick, the kind of game we get in the SPL."

And Craig revealed that he did not want to take what proved to be his screamer of a winner, but for a touchline rollicking from the gaffer.

That proved to be an inspired intervention for Craig stepped up and curled home a sizzling winner to spark joy from the 906 travelling supporters.

"I didn't actually want to take the third one because I had missed one after that," he said.

"But the gaffer shouted over and told me to take it - and I was glad he did. Now I hope he keeps asking me to take them when we get them.

"They are something I spend a lot of time on. Last season I would spend afternoons during the week working on them.

"It's never the same as in a match when you are under a lot more pressure. But it is still good to practice free kicks because it does pay off."

On Hearts.TV today - Listen to post-match reaction to the win at Millwall with Jim Jefferies and Craig Thomson. Watch all the action from the New Den later