Robbie Neilson watched his Hearts side go top of the Premiership – then urged his players to come through an Ibrox acid test against Rangers.
The Jambos are still unbeaten and moved to the league summit after a 2-0 win over Motherwell.
Neilson is delighted with his team's progress but after the international break they take on the champions in Govan.
And the Hearts gaffer says that will prove whether his squad has the mentality to continue challenging at the top end of the table.
Neilson said: “We have 18 outfield players and two goalies that could play in every team in Scotland.
“So we have good strength in depth – and plenty of energy.
“We are a better team than last season. We have 20 players who want to be here and do well for the club. Last season we didn't have that.
“We're up there at the moment but can we do it consistently? That's the key.
“We're sitting on a high but there will be a low. Eight games in, we're unbeaten but we will lose a game.
“We just don't want it to be the next one or the one after that. We want to keep it going for as long as possible.
“The ultimate aim for any team is to go to Glasgow and win. Because that tells you where you are.
“ Rangers at Ibrox is next and that's the acid test. Can you go there and get three points?
“We beat Celtic at Tynecastle but it's a different beast going through to Glasgow so we need to be ready for it.
“We have players who can handle the ball and players who can work well defensively. So we'll go to Ibrox in a fortnight and give it a shot.
“That's the next challenge for us in the league. It's going to be tough but we go to Ibrox close to Rangers.
“We've got young players who are improving all the time so it's a test for them. It will be tough but we have a belief that we can go there and perform.”
