With their involvement in the Tennent's Scottish Cup over, the Edinburgh club took advantage of the free weekend to have a get-together at St Andrew's.

Although the runners-up spot in the Bank of Scotland Premier League looks out of reach, with Rangers 11 points clear, Hearts still have a chance of beating Aberdeen to third place.

And Banks reckons the Jambos are now better prepared for the run-in thanks to their much-needed mini-break.

He said: "It was a bit of a bonding session for the lads, especially with such an important part of the season coming up now.

"It was a good idea for all the lads to get together and have a bit of fun.

"Winning games brings everyone together and bonds everyone.

"We've had a few decent results recently so I think it was an ideal opportunity to force the issue, get the lads together and make us even more positive."

Like several other SPL clubs, Hearts have suffered their fair share of problems off the park this season.

They hit the headlines earlier in the campaign following claims of a split between their Lithuanian players and the rest of the team but Banks insists there are no problems within the Tynecastle dressing room.

Speaking on Hearts World, he said: "I don't think it's so much that we don't get on; it's just different cultures and different ways of doing things.

"The thing we all have in common is football so that's what we go out and do on the park.

"I think we've battled through and have come through it looking a stronger unit.

"Things like the St Andrew's trip can only help us."