Edinburgh--Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson hailed his side's fighting spirit as the champions came from behind to claim a final day 2-2 draw with Rangers at Tynecastle on Saturday.
Rangers, who had been hoping to pip Hibernian to second spot in the Scottish Championship, raced into a two goal lead thanks to first-half goals from Darren McGregor and Kenny Miller.
However, Genero Zeefuik pulled one back in the 82nd minute with a cushioned header before drilling in a 90th minute equaliser to seal the comeback for Hearts and condemn Rangers to third sport.
"Today's game summed up our whole season. We had a lot of adversity and then we fought back, stuck together and got an equaliser right in the last minute," Neilson said.
"That came from the backing of the fans and the players believing in each other. It was a great way to finish and actually felt better than a victory because of the manner we did it.
"We have scored so many last minute winners or equalisers and the team never gives up.
"The fans never stop believing in us and they know we're always going to fight right up to the last minute and we did that today."
It was a fitting end to a tremendous season for the club, who won the league at a canter to finish 21 points above nearest challengers, and city rivals, Hibernian.
It is a remarkable turnaround for the club who were relegated from the top flight last season after slipping into administration and suffering a 15 points deduction, but who are now thriving under new ownership and Neilson's management.
AFP
