Hearts boss Robbie Neilson has warned his players they need to be in top shape for the opening day of the Championship campign.
The Tynecastle club will host Dundee in the first match of the new season in October, in what could be a fiery affair after incidents off the field this summer.
Dundee were the club who had a late change of mind and voted through the initial proposal that relegated Hearts to the second tier and led to various court battles.
But now focus is back on what happens on the pitch and Neilson is already looking forward to the new campaign beginning in two months.
The Hearts head coach won the Championship last season with Dundee United, cruising to the title and ultimately promotion.
It might not be so easy this time around though, with Neilson warning that other sides - such as Dundee - will be desperate to get up themselves.
He told the Hearts website: “It’s a great one for us to look forward to.
“Dundee, along with a few other teams, will be looking to push all the way throughout the season so it’s great to get a home game against them.
“It gives us a target to look forward to. The players know they must be at it right from the start."
