FORMER Hearts captain Steven Pressley claims the Tynecastle club are genuine title contenders.

Hearts lead the Ladbrokes Premiership table after winning their first four games since their return to the top flight.

And Pressley believes former Jambos team-mate and current head coach Robbie Neilson has built a resilient team that is capable of staying the course.

Pressley said: "Both Hearts and Aberdeen have shown great ambition and they can push champions Celtic all the way for the Ladbrokes Premiership title.

"Aberdeen have progressed year on year under Derek McInnes and I expect them to be strong throughout the season.

"But Hearts in particular have been very creative in the transfer market. They've plundered Europe and made some astute signings. Under the guidance of Robbie Neilson they can be a threat.

"Their recruitment has focussed on very robust players who can deal with the physicality of the British game and that could be crucial.

"Like Chelsea in the Premier League under Jose Mourinho, Hearts have built a solid foundation and they'll be able to handle playing in the most difficult venues during the harsh winter months.

"Sometimes you have to dig out those 1-0 wins on poor playing surfaces. Pitches deteriorate in Scotland far more than south of the border and you need a side that can deal with that."

Ahead of the Edinburgh club's home clash with Partick Thistle on Saturday, the former Falkirk and Coventry boss added: "Even before the start of the season I really believed that Hearts can go the distance. There's an energy and belief coming from the club that's infectious.

"Every single person at Tynecastle is pulling in the right direction and that's clear for all to see."