Daniel Stendel felt "power" in Hearts dressing room before 5-0 Airdrie win

Daniel Stendel watched Hearts beat Airdrie 5-0 in the Scottish Cup at Tynecastle

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel revealed that he could feel passion within the dressing room before the 5-0 Scottish Cup win against Airdrie. He spoke to coaches Jorg Sievers and Andy Kirk about the positivity ahead of kick-off at Tynecastle Park and then watched his side ease into the fifth round.

Goals from Andy Irving, Sean Clare, Steven Naismith, Euan Henderson and Craig Halkett helped brush League One Airdrie aside, with Stendel praising the energy which earned his first win in charge.

"It was a good feeling, a good start to 2020 and I hope it gives us a lift," said the German. "It was very important to score early. We did not do this in the last games. When we play like this, I think we will score more. I said to the players that we did so much in the last two weeks. We had ten training sessions and we worked on team spirit.

"I said to Andy Kirk and Jorg Sievers before the game that I could feel more passion, more mentality and more power in the room. The biggest thing we can do is win games, so I think this is good ahead of our league game at Ross County on Wednesday."

The downside was injuries to Aaron Hickey and Michael Smith, both forced off in the first half with knocks. They were replaced by Ben Garuccio and Oliver Bozanic respectively and their condition will be assessed over the weekend ahead of the imminent trip to Dingwall.

"It was disappointing because we had to substitute two players after 30 minutes or something. This was not what we expected," admitted Stendel.

"It is positive that Ben and Bozzy came on and played well. The players must understand that they want to play in the first 11 but we need them all and we need 100 per cent. This was the case.

"I hope Hickey and Mikey can play on Wedneseday but we have not so much time. I think it's difficult."

Asked about Hearts pursuit of the Kosovan forward Donis Avdijaj, Stendel remarked: "It's not so easy but I have a big hope that, before the next game, we will have one or two new players in."