Manager Paulo Sergio today hailed the Hearts supporters as the best he has ever experienced.

The former Sporting Lisbon gaffer arrived at Tynecastle in the summer and has declared himself quite at home in the Capital - and he insists much of his happiness is down to the Gorgie faithful.

"The Hearts fans are the best I have ever seen, either playing or as a manager," he said at today's pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup tie against St Johnstone.

"Hearing them shout my name makes me feel really good. I feel good at a club like Hearts and one of the main reasons is the supporters."

With the Riccarton pitches frozen today, Paulo took his squad to train at Spartans' state-of-the-art artificial surfaces at Ainslie Park.

Asked about Sunday's showdown with the Perth Saints, he said: "Hearts has a proud history. The club has won the Scottish Cup before and it would be great to make another little bit of history.

"But St Johnstone are a good team, doing well this season and we will have to work hard to make sure we stay in the competition."

On HeartsTV today, Paulo Sergio's pre-match press conference IN FULL, plus Gary Glen meets the media ahead of St Johnstone cup-tie.