Claudio Braga insists belief remains high within the Hearts squad after the Jambos secured a tenth consecutive league victory at Tynecastle on Sunday, capping off a successful week for Wouter Vrancken’s side.

The striker converted an 84th-minute penalty before Sabah Kerjota struck a stunning late winner to seal all three points against Dundee. While Braga acknowledged Hearts were below their best in the first half, with Bradley Fink giving the visitors the lead, he praised his side’s character and improved second-half display.

“First half we were not ourselves in some ways and then we talked at half-time and we just needed to improve for sure,” he said post-match.

“We know what we can do. We already proved that, so I think getting those two goals in the end shows character, but it’s also a sign of relief, of course.

“I think we had more personality in the second half and were less afraid to make mistakes. In some moments during the first half we weren’t dropping deep enough to get on the ball and maybe there was no space because of that.

“If you don’t move, the space will not be there. In the second half we rotated a lot more and demanded the ball more often, and then the spaces opened. The more we attacked, the more chances we created and, of course, confidence comes from that. I think that’s what changed.”

Hearts have faced a demanding schedule both domestically and in Europe at the start of the campaign, and the Portuguese forward admitted the squad are beginning to feel the effects, particularly after their 3-1 derby victory over Hibernian at Easter Road just three days earlier.

“I feel everybody’s a little bit tired,” he added. “A lot of games, but I think it’s only for a good reason. It’s because we’re in European competition and we’ve been playing a lot of games. I think we just need to deal with that.”

After the heartbreaking conclusion to last season, Hearts underwent significant change during a hectic summer transfer window. A slow start under Wouter Vrancken included difficult European defeats to Sturm Graz and Benfica, as well as an opening-day league defeat at Pittodrie.

However, the Tynecastle side are beginning to find their stride. Four consecutive league victories have lifted Hearts to second place in the Premiership, while Friday night’s League Cup quarterfinal offers the opportunity to move one step closer to Hampden.

Despite the recent upturn in fortunes, Braga insists confidence within the dressing room has never wavered, especially during Sunday’s win over Dundee.

“I think from outside, yes. From inside, I think the belief was always there,” he said.

“Of course, it’s a little bit better now because of the results. If you win, the belief grows a little bit more, but the belief was always there.

“We just knew we needed to be patient and make fewer mistakes, and I think that’s what we’ve been doing.

“We’re showing that we can play good football and exciting football. Of course, the belief grows a little bit and maybe people on the outside believe a little bit more that we can achieve something this year, but as a group we always knew that.”