Neilson’s players did an excellent job in meeting his high standards last season, winning nine of their first 10 Championship games to build momentum that led to their title triumph ahead of Rangers and Hibernian.

And now we wants them to maintain their ambitions as they begin their Premiership campaign at home to St Johnstone on Sunday.

Neilson said: “The target is to win every game. We want to win all the time, we want to try to get in the top six, and we want to have a good run in the cups. That’s the target, the players know that and they all agree.”

The visit of St Johnstone will provide a good indication of how Hearts might adapt to a higher league.

The Perth side have finished in the top six – and qualified for Europe – in each of the last four seasons and are among the toughest defences to crack in the division.

“It’s going to be a huge test,” Neilson said.

“It’s a difficult game against a strong team in St Johnstone. There’s a lot of pressure on us as well. We’re at home and the first game brings expectation, but the players are here to handle that.”