Christian Nade was thrilled to get back to goal-scoring ways against Bolton Wanderers at Tynecastle on Wednesday - even if he admitted he is not yet 100% fit.

The men in maroon produced a strong display against Gary Megson's team, with the French forward, in particular, catching the eye to the delight of supporters.

"I think I am far from my best fitness," the 24-year-old.

"The game was very hard and I had cramp in my calf and could not breathe after five minutes of the second half!"

But he stayed on for another 20 minutes or so and enjoyed the rich rewards of doing so.

"I am very happy with my goal and with the team," the former Sheffield United man continued. "It was a good goal and it nice to break from defence and it was a good cross from Suso and I was on the end of it.

"We tried to put them under pressure so if one player stopped running, the coach said you need to run and I should keep working for the team."

Christian's ongoing return to fitness, after a hernia operation at the tail end of last season, has come with real personal dedication.

An earlier than planned return from holiday allowed the striker to get a head start on his peers, which ultimately sees him in contention to start the season.

"I went on holiday but I came back earlier because if I am on my holidays I knew I could not just come back to pre-season and be ready for the new season," Christian explained.

"I am just happy now and feeling good. I hope the supporters see the real me and they enjoy that."

On Hearts.TV today - Watch Csaba Laszlo's pre-match news conference from Riccarton and catch all the action from Bolton