Vrancken has captured imagination of Hearts fans
There was a sense of inevitability about Hearts' late winner against Dundee on Sunday.Given the trajectory of recent weeks, Hearts' comeback from an early deficit felt more a matter of when than if.AdvertisementMuch of the credit for Hearts' recent form must go to Wouter Vrancken. The Belgian's style of play has captured the imagination of the Hearts support and, just as importantly, the players have fully embraced his football philosophy.There is a growing confidence and cohesion about the team that was absent earlier in the campaign.Yet recent weeks have not been without setbacks. Injuries to Blair Spittal and Tom Renaud have deprived Hearts of two influential figures at a time momentum is building.Spittal in particular had been flourishing. Entrusted with the captaincy in recent weeks, he has demonstrated leadership and maturity, producing some of his most accomplished performances in a Hearts shirt. His absence will be felt.AdvertisementHowever, every injury presents an opportunity for someone else. The depth of Vrancken's squad will now be tested and the coming weeks offer a chance for others to prove their value as Hearts enter a pivotal stage of the season.Before the international break, three challenging away fixtures lie in wait. Premiership matches against Falkirk and Kilmarnock sandwich a League Cup quarter-final against Championship leaders Stenhousemuir.All three present different tests, but it is perhaps the cup tie that carries the greatest significance.Marvin Bartley has performed a remarkable job in a relatively short period at Ochilview. Stenhousemuir top the Championship and eliminated Motherwell in the previous round. They will not be overawed by the occasion.AdvertisementYet with a place in the semi-finals at Hampden on the line, Hearts have every reason to travel with confidence. If they can navigate the next three matches successfully, the feelgood factor around Tynecastle will only intensify.
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