Blair Spittal underlined the importance for Hearts to maintain cool heads going into Saturday’s William Hill Premiership trip to Kilmarnock.
The Jambos head to Rugby Park still at the league summit with nine games to go and 4,000+ Hearts supporters set to fill the Chadwick Stand.
Professionalism has carried the men in maroon this far and Spitts said more of the same will be required as Derek McInnes’ men hunt for another three points.
“Considering where we were at this point last year, it's a different kind of pressure to what we were under last year,” he told the media ahead of the game.
“It's one that the boys are thriving on. The fans are getting excited, and that's up to them to do so. For us, we've just got to do our job at the end of the day. It's cliche but looking at one game at a time and taking care of Kilmarnock on Saturday. It's going to be a difficult place to go, a difficult game.
“There'll be pressure on Saturday, but it's up to us to live up to that.”
Spitts is enjoying life back in the Hearts team, slotting in after injuries and making several impressive contributions in recent wins.
Whilst more starts were naturally on the wishlist, Blair said every member of the squad needs to train hard and prepare right should the manager call upon them.
“I think that's what every footballer needs to do,” he said.
“There's obviously going to be times where you're frustrated at not playing. It's something that I've not really experienced too much throughout my career. It's testing, but like I said, when the boys are winning games, you can't complain.
“It's just making sure you're keeping yourself right.”
