Hearts boss Craig Levein believes his side have emerged as credible contenders in the Scottish Premier League after last season's off-the-field distractions were banished.

The Jambos have lost just once this campaign and already look set to challenge for a place in the UEFA Cup next season.

That is a far cry from last season's disjointed campaign, which Levein claims was down to the uncertainty surrounding many players' futures.

Cost-cutting at the club meant half the team eventually moved on and Levein is convinced this took the edge off performances, especially towards the end of the season.

He said: "Not having this edge in a game is the difference between having 11 players trying their best and a team trying their best."

Levein also tipped Phil Stamp to be one of the signings of the season.

The Englishman ended a decade-long spell at Middlesbrough to try his luck in Scotland and has so far looked the part.

He was at the heart of the Edinburgh club's spirited performance at Rangers and almost scored when his header beat goalkeeper Stefan Klos but bounced off the crossbar.

The midfielder has also added some steel to a depleted midfield, although one over-zealous tackle earned him a booking during Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat at Ibrox.

Levein said: "Phil has done very well. He had a couple of opportunities to score on Wednesday and gives us something a little bit different.

"He gets ahead and I am hoping he will also score a few goals. But I am pleased with him. I think he is getting fitter every week and in another two or three games, I think he will be spot on."

Stamp will be looking to impress the Tynecastle faithful tomorrow when Motherwell are the visitors.

The Jambos are unbeaten at home and that Ibrox reverse represented their only loss so far this season.

Motherwell are not far behind though, and manager Terry Butcher has warned his players not to get carried away following their midweek 2-1 victory over champions Celtic.

Butcher was cautious ahead of the trip to Tynecastle, where Levein's team remain unbeaten this season.

Indeed, the Jambos have lost just once all season and that was at Rangers in midweek.

Butcher said: "We can take a lot of good things out of the Celtic game but we have got to be careful we are not over-confident.

"I was there on Wednesday at Ibrox and Hearts played very well in that game. Mark de Vries looks a threat up front and will be more of a danger at home.