Neil Critchley sang the praises of his two matchwinners – Craig Gordon and Elton Kabangu – after watching Hearts down St Johnstone.
Kabangu scored a Hearts double as they twice took the lead and then saw it out to deny the Perth Saints a lifeline at the bottom of the Premiership and move themselves up to seventh.
Gordon was just as crucial, producing an incredible stop to deny Sam Curtis from giving the home side the lead just 70 seconds before the loan striker ensured it was them who did so instead.
Critchley had spoken with Kabangu through the week after the Belgian missed a host of chances as the Jambos promised much but lost to Rangers.
And he was delighted to see his marksman put that behind him and hit the goal trail again, finding the net for the seventh time in seven games since signing on loan in January.
The 27-year-old will grab the headlines but Gordon was highlighted by his manager too.
Critchley on Kabangu and Gordon Hearts importance
The Jambos boss though they were deserving of the three points as they carry them back to the capital.
And he singled out his matchwinning duo.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Critchley said: “I thought we just about edged the game and had the best chances. Delighted for Elton to get his two goals after last week and Craigy’s obviously pulled off a magnificent save at 1-1 which is a match-winning save.
“That’s the fine margins of football. Some games early on in the season probably goes against us and it today it goes for us.
“The second goal we scored was brilliant. A terrific move right down the middle of the pitch. And we had other opportunities but we wouldn’t have been in that position if it wasn’t for Craig Gordon.”
Asked if should no longer be a surprise to see Gordon’s heroics at 42, he went on: “No, because you see him train and how professional he is, then no it’s not.
“He produces saves like that every day in training. He’s a great guy to have around the dressing room, his presence and know-how. It’s invaluable.”
Kabangu has Hearts character
Critchley has already talked about the need to recruit players with the mentality and character to play for a team with the demands of Hearts. He insists they knew Kabangu had that.
He added: “We want to identify players we feel are Hearts players with the right character and personality.
“Elton has got that, he’s so infectious with his enthusiasm and personality. He’s always a threat and he was last week, unfortunately it didn’t go for him but that’s the life of a striker.
“He’s in there for a proper centre forward’s goal and the second one he shows his pace and mobility and finishes it off well.”