Gary Locke was thrilled with the character shown by his Heart of Midlothian side in their Scottish League Cup victory over Queen of the South on Wednesday night.
The Jambos needed extra-time and penalties to see off their Championship opponents after it ended 3-3 prior to the 4-2 shootout and despite the difficult in overcoming the Doonhammers, Locke was happy.
"Credit to the players, they gave us everything tonight," he said.
"We could have defended a bit better and there was a bit of naivety but I've got nothing but praise for the boys.
"They worked their socks off and the main thing is we are in the next round.
"It's all about being in the next round."
Locke added: "It's not great for the heart going to penalties.
"But we knew it was going to be a tough game and Queens were a credit to themselves.
"Jim McIntyre has them playing really well."
Hearts took the lead on three different occasions through Kevin McHattie, Jamie Hamill and Danny Wilson but Queen of the South managed to equalise each time courtesy of Ryan McGuffie, Michael Paton and Chris Higgins.
