As an indication of how well Liam Boyce has transitioned from Burton Albion to Hearts, the striker has acknowledged finding temporary accommodation that allow dogs had been his biggest challenge.

The Northern Ireland cap is already well on his way to justifying why the Tynecastle outfit pushed the boat out to acquire his services last month, Boyce netting a debut winner against Rangers before also scoring in Saturday’s 3-3 draw at St Johnstone.

As someone who scored 55 goals in his three years in Scottish football at Ross County, the 28-year-old was always confident of picking up where he left off.

Having his four-legged friend, Theo, and family back by his side in the capital has also ensured he is content off the pitch.

"I've settled in quicker than I thought,” said Boyce, who will have Kilmarnock in his sights in this evening’s Premiership clash in Gorgie. “Moving the dog up has been a bit of a challenge but the club's sorted me out.

“I've moved my daughter up as well but the dog was the hardest.

“I've got a labrador and it's hard to get somewhere to stay with a dog but it’s happened quicker than I thought.

“My whole family got moved up last Tuesday so that's probably the most important thing.

“I feel like I'm at home again. It's been brilliant.

“Ever since I came, everybody behind the scenes and the fans have been brilliant with me.

“They have made me feel welcome."

Saturday’s draw in Perth, which was achieved courtesy of Sean Clare’s stoppage time striker has lifted Hearts off the basement for the first time since December 21, Hamilton now occupying 12th place on goal difference.

Despite the disappointment of failing to capitalise on an encouraging first half display against Saints, Boyce insists climbing one place as been a significant mental boon.

He added: “It’s been brilliant. We know that we don’t have to worry about anyone else’s results. It’s about what we do.

“After the first-half performance, we were a bit disappointed, but the goal at the end makes it feel a bit better.

“We can’t be looking at other teams’ games and hoping that they drop points.

“We want to focus on ourselves and stick to our game plan. If we win games, we won’t have to worry about anyone else.

“We knew how good the squad is.

“Hopefully the quality can come to the fore and we can win games and get up the table.”

Manager Daniel Stendel admitted he was confused by his side’s performance after the break against St Johnstone as they let slip their 2-1 lead.

Boyce, however, insists is in no doubt they are heading in the right direction.

He added: “The way the manager plays, we just need to execute it better.

“The players are maybe used to playing a different way, not the way he wants.

“So we just need to concentrate for the whole game and keep doing what he wants us to do.

“Once it went against us in the second half, it took us a while to realise what to do and get back into the game.

“When it went 3-2, they dropped a bit deeper and sort of let us back into the game but if we stick to the game plan for the whole 90 minutes, we'll be looking good."