Euan Henderson bagged four goals as Hearts warmed up for Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs with a 5-2 win over Airdrie.
Robbie Neilson is determined his whole squad will be ready to take on their greatest rivals at Hampden.
The Tynecastle side have only played five competitive games so far this season in the Betfred Cup and Championship this season.
So Neilson organised a game against the League One Diamonds to give those members of his squad that hadn’t featured as heavily a run out ahead of the trip to the national stadium.
And Henderson grabbed his chance to impress with both hands, bagging four with three of them coming before the break at Oriam.
Skipper Steven Naismith was Hearts' other scorer, as he and Peter Haring played 45 minutes to keep them ticking over ahead of the big one.
They weren’t the only recognised first team names involved, with Jamie Brandon, Andy Irving, Lewis Moore and Harr Cochrane all playing a part in the win, while Ross Stewart deputised in goal for Craig Gordon.
Jamie Walker sat out, but is expected to be fine in time to take his place against the Hibees on Saturday, as is Jordan Roberts.
Winger Josh Ginnelly will be assessed in training tomorrow to determine whether his thigh injury has cleared up sufficiently for him to be involved at the weekend.
