CALUM PATERSON reckons Robbie Neilson's approach to hard graft has been justified by Hearts' storming Championship title success.

The Tynecastle boss has left no stone unturned as he has led the Jambos to a remarkable run of form and the second-tier silverware with seven fixtures remaining.

After seeing off Falkirk on Saturday to record their 25th win in 29 league outings, Hearts' promotion to the Premiership was confirmed the following day as Rangers beat Hibernian at Easter Road.

The Gorgie side have left their Capital rivals and the Light Blues trailing this season, and they now have their sights set on smashing through the 100 goals and 100 points barrier between now and the end of the campaign.

Hearts have lost just one game on league duty and, when asked if he was surprised at how quickly the silverware had been secured, Paterson said: "Not really because of the intensity we have been playing at week in, week out and the way we train, and that has shown throughout the season on the pitch.

"It didn't really come as a surprise because we worked hard for it and hard work pays off. We just need to carry on doing that and try and hit a couple more milestones before the season is out.

"Of course, the manager's training sessions have been justified. We've won the league in record time and we're on target to score 100 goals and he's not even had his first season yet as a manager.

"Obviously, it was a bit of a shock at first because we were doing triple sessions sometimes, two gym sessions and two training sessions a day.

"You'd think at first 'I really can't be bothered doing this.' But at the end of the day it has shown it makes you a better player."