Hearts captain Steven Naismith's praise for the change in Sean Clare and work of Euan Henderson and Lewis Moore

Steven Naismith is happy with how the team are progressing under Daniel Stendel

Hearts captain Steven Naismith was sure to praise some of the team's unsung heroes for their part in the win over Rangers at Tynecastle on Sunday.

The 33-year-old netted the equaliser before witnessing new signing Liam Boyce cap his debut with the winning goal.

The £150,000 acquisition from Burton Albion gained the plaudits having also set up Naismith's goal, while there was plenty of praise for Craig Halkett's commanding performance at the back.

Steven Naismith had words of praise for three team-mates. Picture: SNS

Naismith was keen to pinpoint a lot of unseen work by two of the club's youngsters.

Euan Henderson and Lewis Moore were chosen ahead of the likes of Jamie Walker and Ryotaro Meshino, as well as recent addition Donis Avdijaj, to start in the wide berths.

Both, according to Hearts' veteran forward, can be pleased with their part in the victory.

Naismith, speaking to the BBC with Liam Boyce, said: "What was shown, especially from the two of us, was there was a natural instinct from both of us, in terms of each other's movement which helped.

"I think a bit of credit has to go to the young boys in the wider positions. They created the space for us two to pick up the ball and try and start attacks and inevitable end up finishing attacks which we done."

Many watching on, from the stands or a neutral position on the TV, see this as a victory which is testament to the work done by Daniel Stendel since he has taken over from Craig Levein.

Due to the nature of the change in terms of the playing style it has been a slow burner.

Naimsith picked out one player in particular who epitomises the progression under the German manager.

"The manager's came in, he's trying to stamp what he wants on the team," he said. "I've said in a couple of interviews over the course of the last few weeks that the confidence is building. We're now understanding what he wants. A lot of it is becoming second nature.

"I think a prime example is Sean Clare at right-back. A lot of his movements are exactly what the manager wants. He's not even thinking about that now, he's just doing it which helps the performance and again, helps the result."