Hearts: Robbie Neilson eyes main prize after manager award

Robbie Neilson is sure that the unbeaten league run that led to his Scottish Championship manager of the month award for November will end.

"I don't think it's something that can happen," said the head coach when asked if they could end the season unbeaten.

"We'll try to keep the run going as long as we can, but ultimately it will end and we just need to react to it."

Neilson guided the Tynecastle outfit to three league wins in the month, leaving them nine points clear of Rangers at the top of the table.

Morton boss Jim Duffy won the League One award after his side collected three league wins from three games in November.

And Darren Young was named League Two manager of the month.

Young's charges secured two victories from three league games in November and they currently sit top of the table.

Neilson took over in the summer and has led the Edinburgh outfit to 13 wins in 15 Championship matches so far.

Hearts' 2-0 win over title rivals Rangers on 22 November put them in the driving seat in the race for promotion to Scotland's top flight.

However, he still does not believe his side are favourites for the title and the one automatic promotion place.

"I think Rangers and Hibs have similar size of squads and Rangers have a bigger budget than us and we'll need to wait and see what they do in the January transfer market," said Neilson.

"I'd like to add at least one and I am in the process of looking at players who might add value to us.

"I don't think there's any pressure on us at all. If we perform as well as we can, that's all I can ask."

Neilson was pleased to receive the Scottish Professional Football League award while pointing out his main goal was the title in May.

"It doesn't mean anything," he said. "Nobody gets an award for the longest unbeaten run at the start of the season.

"It is a bit of recognition for the players and the club for the hard work we're doing, but ultimately it is about getting promoted."