Robbie Neilson says he knew Hearts would get chances against Celtic even when they were two goals down.
The Jambos fought back to take the game to extra-time and then to level within it before losing a Scottish Cup Final shoot-out at Hampden.
Despite coming out in the second half while trailing 2-0, Neilson said he always knew they would get chances after watching back Neil Lennon 's side and their recent struggles.
He told the BBC: "We're disappointed for the players, the staff and the fans but I thought we were outstanding today.
"I thought we recovered well against a team who have won the last 12 trophies and you come back and recover in extra-time shows the team's strength of character. All the players are fighting for this club.
"We looked at the last 12 games Celtic had played and the last teams that had taken points off them or beaten them had played a back five with three in the middle to try and shut it off.
"We did that and even in the first-half we knew they were going to have loads of possession but apart from a wonder goal and and a penalty they didn't have anything else.
"We know at half-time if we got a bit closer to them in the midfield and started making tackles and were a bit more snappy we would shut them off and get opportunities and we managed to do that.
"The game plan never changed but we were just more aggressive to get after them.
"We were a moment away from winning it and when you play Celtic you know you are going to get opportunites. They have possession and put it side to side but we defended well and we knew we would get chances to score a goal.
"We get back level and even when we conceded in extra time we get back into it. I wasn't here last year but I don't think they would have come back from that but they are doing it now."
