Liam Fox explained the reasoning behind the involvement of three of Steven Naismith's first-team squad in Heart of Midlothian B's opening game in the Lowland League.

Macaulay Tait, Finlay Pollock and James Wilson all started the 4-1 win over East Stirlingshire on Friday night at Ainslie Park instead of travelling with the first-team for the friendly with Fleetwood Town.

The decision was straightforward and came about after a conversation between Fox and Naismith.

"I spoke to Naisy a couple of days ago and he just said, 'Listen, these guys need minutes' so they are always welcome to play for us," Fox told Hearts Standard.

"They are good players, they help the group, they make the group stronger, they also teach the players who are left out that they have to fight and it is part of being in a football club, there is competition all the time. Everybody always has to be ready.

"The guys we left out tonight showed positive reaction and massively contributed to the game." 

Fox sought to praise the contributions of Luke Rathie, Ryan Duncan, Mack Ross and Dom Plank. All four came off the bench in the second half as Hearts pressed home their quality after a tight first-half which finished 1-1.

"I thought the first 15 minutes we started quite bright, we controlled the game," he said. "My only criticism is in the first wee bit we didn't work the keeper enough and create enough clear-cut chances and then they go up the park, arguably the first time they are in our box, we concede.

"Start of the second half I thought we kind of got sucked into playing some longer passes and turning the ball over. The subs massively helped us. Something we speak about a lot, it's probably a silly thing to say, but I don't like calling them subs, I like calling them finishers because they finish the game for us.

"It's a prime example, Ryan Duncan comes on and helps us get our rhythm back in the middle of the pitch, Luke Rathie is solid and aggressive at the back, Mack and Dom Plank come on and score goals. It's a squad game these days. Everybody is going to have periods when their form is up and their form is down but I am really pleased with the lads because their attitude to being left out, naturally is disappointment, but I thought they came on and showed great attitude."

The game provided Hearts with "the understanding of learning when to quicken the tempo up" and when to be patient but also demonstrated what Fox is looking for from his team this season.

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"Our last two goals are moments of real quality, one and two touch and that is something we are really trying to work on," he said. "You have got to give credit to the opposition as well because they made it difficult, they were aggressive and they used all their experience and know-how.

"I'm really pleased with the result but the performance will get better. I thought there were some good performances. Henry Lister at left-back was really, really good. James Wilson grew into the game. Finlay Pollock had really good moments. There is loads to be positive about but as always with the younger group there is loads to work on."

The goal of the game came from Plank, a summer signing. He drove at the Shire defence before unleashing a fine effort into the top corner. Fox said he is an "undoubted talent" and "different" to what the team already have.

"We've seen that already in pre-season, he has that quality," he said. "Delighted for him but there is more to come from him, on the ball and out of possession as well. That's a process, that takes time but when he's in full flow like that he's good to watch."