Hearts boss Paulo Sergio lavished praise on his team after today's 4-0 demolition of Dunfermline Athletic at Tynecastle.

The Jambos boosted their chances for third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a comprehensive win over the Fife outfit, with goals from Stephen Elliott, Mehdi Taouil, David Templeton and Rudi Skacel sealing the victory.

Hearts attacked from kick-off and took the lead after just two minutes and it was this start that set the tone for a great win which pleased Paulo the most, the manager saying: "The first half was terrific. Today we could have hit a record score, we had so many chances. We were very superior, and we were happy. Dunfermline started well but we scored even earlier! The goal helped our confidence and made us comfortable".

Another pleasing aspect of the game was the enterprising and effective performances of the front line, with all three players finding the net. Stephen Elliott and Mehdi Taouil netted their second goals of the season, while David Templeton scored his first goal in almost a year, a moment which was obviously a huge lift to the winger.

The manager was delighted with their performances, adding: "This shows that if you are patient, you will get your chance. I am delighted with everybody but especially Stephen Elliott. He hasn't played much but he is a player I really believe in. I want them to be focused and happy, and I am pleased for them today in difficult times, and we must fight and show we are not cowards."

Hearts entertain high-flying Motherwell next week in a crunch clash that could have a crucial bearing on the race for Europe, and Paulo admitted he was looking forward to getting back into the dugout as his suspension comes to an end, although he insisted he was focusing only on today's victory.

He continued: "We have time to think about Motherwell, now we must celebrate this win and I'm going to give the boys two days off because they have their Christmas party tonight. They're going to be together and have some fun. When they return to work hopefully it will be a positive mindset and they will come back and realise they are fighting for Hearts, and each other, and not just one individual person. It's Hearts that matter to me."

Finally, see HeartsTV now to hear Paulo Sergio's EXCLUSIVE and extended thoughts on the Andrew Driver situation.