Peter Haring started for Heart of Midlothian for the first time since September in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Livingston. It was his first appearance for the team since October.

The Austrian would play an important midfield role in the victory, a result which ensured Hearts sat third going into the winter break.

He spoke to the press about the team's success, his lack of game time and where the current side ranks in comparison to the Hearts teams he has played in.

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A hard thought win?

It was not a pretty game as everyone could see. But we knew when you come here, on that pitch in those circumstances, it is always going to be a scrap and a fight. If we show our quality and play better football we can make it more enjoyable. I think, especially first half, we weren't really good enough on the ball and made it hard for ourselves.

Is it always pleasing to show the other side of the game, when you have to roll your sleeves up?

Yeah but unfortunately it took us too long to show that side. We were lucky not to be 1-0 down with the offside goal. I think that gave us another push that we needed on Tuesday. I thought from the 15-20 minutes we did better. We weren't in control or anything like that, we weren't good enough on the ball for that, but we accepted the circumstances and what the game was going to be like and it was better.

Lawrence put the penalty disappointment behind him?

Eventually, he did! You know, you've seen last season, when you have Shanks on the pitch he almost guarantees you a goal a game. It doesn't matter if we are playing badly or better he is always there and can take his chances.

How is it for the team to have someone in the team you know can score goals?

Brilliant! What do you want me to say, he's proven it again. Even on worse days, he can decide games.

On a personal note, is it pleasing to be back in the starting line-up?

Yeah, obviously, but it is about the team, being third place before the little break. That's the most important thing.

How have the last couple of months been out of the team?

You know when you're not getting game time it is the most frustrating thing in football, especially when you are fit. Trying to do everything right, it's frustrating, but I'm glad I could help the team. 

Is that a sign of the strength in depth of the squad?

There is loads of competition and the team has been doing well. We've probably been one of the most in-form teams over the last 10 games so if the team is picking up points there's no reason for the manager to change too much. That's the tough side of football. You have to accept it and keep working hard.

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Have you spoken to the manager about what you need to do to force your way into it more?

Of course. I think I have always been speaking to him. There's nothing special, it's just the way the situation is.

As one of the longest-serving players at the club, in terms of the squad at the moment how do you rate it amongst the other teams?

It's as good as it has been since I've been here. We've got a lot of numbers and the manager has got a lot of options. I think the results, especially in the last couple of months, prove that.

Away form has always been difficult for any time but you seem to be winning regularly?

That was one of the things Naisy told us before the start of the season, that over the years it hasn't been good enough. It's one thing that's needed to improve and get better. So far it is working.