Csaba Lazlo is satisfied that Hearts are now ready for the new campaign after an intense pre-season programme which culminated in yesterday's 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

The Black Cats equalised through Darren Bent's debut striker after David Obua had deservedly smashed the men in maroon ahead with a sweet volley.

With many changes over the summer, supporters are now enjoying the look of the new-look Hearts, something that manager acknowledges has come as a result of hard work.

"You saw in my career if I must build a team I don't care about a result in the pre-season, but for the last two games when it must be perfect," Csaba said last night.

"I was very satisfied with the second half. Tactically we played better and we did not give the opponent any chance to be dangerous and score.

"In the first half I was angry about the goal from nothing. I tried to explain this situation - if you don't get very close to the ball you cannot press the opponent.

"If you lose the space you are punished and this was a mistake.

"With the game I was satisfied. The result was also very important in the last preparation game."

Csaba confirmed that Andrew Driver and Calum Elliot are continuing to rehabilitate after injury.

He also revealed that Ruben Palazuelos using an ice pack in the dugout after coming off was merely a precaution, as was the decision to replace Ismael Bouzid and Lee Wallace.

And the manager explained that Laryea Kingston and Arvydas Novikovas missed the Sunderland clash because of minor knocks that will be assessed.

Now the Hearts boss is focused on one thing - not Europe - but Hearts opener against Dundee United, and his new season target to make the top six, once more.

"Our target is again to make it to the top six," he noted.

"I don't want to talk about the Europa League - I want to talk about Dundee United. This will be a very different game.

"I hope against Dundee United we can get a good result. It is not just the first league game but we have a very strong start, with good opponents in Rangers and Dundee United."

On Hearts.TV today - Listen to post-match reaction from Csaba and goalscorer David Obua and tomorrow watch all the action from the battle with the Black Cats