Hearts’ players have been “an absolute joy” during their pre-season camp in Spain and have “knocked their pan in”, says new manager Derek McInnes.

The Tynecastle side comfortably beat English League Two side Crawley Town on Friday, with a performance that impressed their boss.

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“The game itself was very competitive, with plenty of full-throttle tackles and challenges, and I think that we stood up to that,” he said.

“I actually thought there was a wee bit more indication about the team that we want to be in terms of being a bit more natural to play, look forward a bit quicker, look into wide players quicker, look into strikers quicker.

“I think we’ve had a look at the lads, they’ve had a look at us and what we’re looking at, what we’re demanding from them. I think we’re getting there.”