FROM Work in progress TO

Craig Levein paid tribute to his players as his second stint in charge of Hearts came full circle with a slick win over the disjointed Dons.

Levein stepped up in September after Ian Cathro was sacked – and his first match was a Murrayfield clash with Aberdeen.

That one ended in a goal less draw and Levein admit ted there was a lengthy r e h abi l i t a t ion ahead for a team in the middle of a confidence crisis.

Now look at them. Rock solid at the back and inspired by the man Levein rates the best centre back in the country – captain Christophe Berra.

Up front they are blessed with international-class striking talent in Kyle Lafferty and Steven Naismith.

Naismith’s 18th-minute opener set the Jambos on their way to a win they thoroughly deserved over a Dons side that were never at the races.

Yet it was the Jambos’ midfield performers who thrilled the packed Tynecastle crowd most with their slick passing and fluid movement that cut effortlessly through the Dons’ lines.

No wonder Levein swelled with pride yesterday as he reflected on how far his players have come.

He said: “A lot of things had taken us out of our comfort zone – this new stand, playing away from home at Murrayfield, injuries and a lot of changes in January.

“These little things can all build up and cause a problem and that’s what happened with us. We’ve had to battle this season with so many things that have been difficult to deal with.

“So I must compliment the players that they are still going really strong at this stage of the season.

“I’m pleased with that. Coming back here I always feel we have a good