Jefferies believes Hearts will be stronger when their injuries clear up

Hearts manager Jim Jefferies praised Stephen Elliott's double after his side ran out 2-0 winners against Hamilton at New Douglas Park.

Elliot scored both goals with headers and Jefferies was pleased that the Irishman plugged Hearts' injury gap.

"When you consider that we have limited striker options, Stephen Elliott did well to get two goals today," Jefferies told BBC Scotland.

"If we can get our players back, we'll have the cutting edge up front."

The win consolidated third place in the Scottish Premier League for Jefferies' side, after Elliott headed in to give Hearts a 22nd-minute lead, then doubled his tally with another header 30 seconds into the second half.

Jefferies admitted it was a frustrating match in the opening 45 minutes, but patient build-up from his players yielded the right result.

"It was a strange game, because in the first half Billy Reid was trying to keep it tight," said Jefferies.

"It was a compliment to us, and I can understand why he did it - they're fighting for their lives.

"They gave us a lot of the ball, but they were quite happy to sit there.

"The only way you can get round that is by getting into the wide areas and get the ball in. But it came from the left, when Lee Wallace got in and sent in a great ball - and what a great header it was.

"The players have been terrific, and another win away from home keeps the record going. We want to keep picking up as many wins as we can to get the third place sealed."

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