Hearts boss Jim Jefferies praised his side's second half come back despite exiting the Co-operative Insurance Cup after tonight's pulsating 4-3 defeat at Falkirk.

The Jambos found themselves two goals down and a man short at half time after Craig Thomson was shown a straight red.

Two Kevin Kyle goals either side of a Suso Santana equaliser gave Hearts an improbable 3-2 lead, before Ryan Flynn and a last gasp Mark Stewart strike sent The Bairns through.

The Tynecastle manager revealed he wasn't shy of letting his players know what he thought of the first half performance before an incredible second period.

Jim told the journalists at his post match news conference: "I don't think I've been involved in a game as unbelievable as that for a long time.

"Billy and I tore in to them at half time. We had some strong words about application and desire to win the game.

"The second half was a magnificent effort from everybody.

"When we went 3-2 up with fifteen minutes to go I thought we could see it out and learn our lessons from the first half, but we'll never win games by giving goals away."

Craig Thomson was shown a straight red card 24 minutes in to the first 45 after clash with Carl Finnegan.

Fourth official Eddie Smith brought the incident to the attention of Brian Winter, although the Hearts boss admitted he didn't see what happened.

He said: "I didn't see the incident - nobody did except the fourth official.

"Craig said as he got up his foot slipped and that was his explanation. I'll see it again on the video and if that's right, he's unlucky."

On Hearts.TV today - Catch reaction from Falkirk with JJ and Ismael Bouzid. Watch all the action with match highlights, online tomorrow