Hearts defender Michael Smith believes improvements in both quality and attitude among the squad have enabled their flying start to the season.

Craig Levein's side will extend their five-point lead at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership if they secure a ninth consecutive win in all competitions against Livingston at Tynecastle on Saturday.

Levein has signed 18 players this summer and Smith feels the recruitment process has gone better than anyone could have anticipated.

When asked what the key to their start had been, the full-back said: "Good squad, good team spirit, good tactics. The manager has set us out well in every game so far and the new boys have all gelled really quickly, which is probably surprising to a few people.

"In my experience bringing a lot of people in, sometimes it's hard to gel quickly and it takes a little while, but all the new lads who have come in, their mentality and attitude is right and that's why we have gelled so quickly. They have fitted in really well.

"You can definitely see there is a difference in the attitude in the changing room but also ability-wise, I think this squad the ability is far higher."

Smith refused to look beyond Saturday's game but he concedes that maintaining their momentum could take them a long way.

The Northern Ireland international said: "It's massive. Teams that do well keep the momentum going and even if they have a little setback they get right back on the horse and go again.

"We'll be looking to do that if things don't go our way in certain games. But it's looking good, I feel confident going into every game now with the players we have on the pitch."

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