Ian Black knows that whoever Hearts bring in up front this season the men in maroon will create chances for.

The midfield dynamo, set to be a key lynchpin at Tynecastle in the year ahead impressed again on Saturday in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers.

And with talk of Irish international striker Stephen Elliot joining the Jambos this week, Black knows the timing might just be perfect.

On top of that the former Rovers man confirmed what everyone knows about Hearts this year - they are fighting fit!

"I thought we created a lot of chances against Blackburn," Ian said. "Wee Craig Thomson had a close one in the first half which would have put us 2-0 up.

"We held our own, worked hard and I was a bit disappointed we never got the win.

"The camp is good, the boys are happy, the gaffer has got us working hard, we are enjoying it and we can't wait for it to come!

"The boys are playing against Premiership clubs in the last two games and the fitness has come through easy. The boys are flying and full of energy after the 90 minutes which shows we are really fit."

On the issue of Hearts' creative play Ian said: "We do create chances, it is just putting the ball in the net.

"The gaffer has brought in big Kevin Kyle and if we can create the chances then that's good.

"I've heard he's [Stephen Elliot] not far away and his record shows for itself. It would be good to get them playing together. If he comes in and Kevin is fit then that would be good.

"We've struggled with goals. It has always been 1-0 here and a draw there. We do create chances so if we can create them than we'll score goals."

On Hearts.TV today - Catch reaction to Saturday's draw with Jim Jefferies and Ian Black plus watch highlights from the Tynecastle clash