Hearts legend John Robertson believes the team has fired a warning shot to the rest of the Scottish Premiership by demolishing in-form Motherwell at Tynecastle.

Robbie Neilson’s side won 6-0 against Well in a dominant performance which keeps them in touch with second-placed Aberdeen.

Robertson, the club’s record goalscorer with 310 strikes in all competitions throughout the 80s and 90s, said he can only see the team continuing to improve.

Reflecting on the weekend victory, Robertson said: "I think it was a warning to the rest of the league that these boys can go up another level.

"Motherwell were on the back of a good run of form and they were put to the sword.

"We started really well then had a wee dip but this team is still learning each other's ways.

"Saturday was achieved without Sam Nicholson or Jamie Walker and with Morgaro Gomis on the bench, so it is a really strong squad.

"Robbie, Stevie Crawford and Craig Levein have put a tremendous squad together and everyone wants to play."

Neilson is tracking a striker to add to his squad during the January transfer window but Robertson, a Scottish Cup winner in maroon in 1998, said the club should tread carefully during this month.

Robertson said: "Robbie has to be careful that it is quality that he brings in. It is already a strong side.

"He and Craig Levein have to look for someone who can make a real difference to the team because it’s already a very good squad.

"If we can keep this form up until the business end of the season, that's when trophies are won and European qualification can be achieved."

Former player and manager Robertson was at Tynecastle to hand out hot drinks to the hundreds of supporters queuing for the first chance to buy tickets for the Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Hibernian.

The match is expected to sell out in record time, with Hibs status in the Championship making the February 7 clash the only guaranteed derby of the season.

Robertson said: "We're all looking forward to a really good game between two really good teams.

"This is what the capital is all about – the Edinburgh Derby.

"It is about two good Hibs and Hearts teams going head-to-head in a titanic clash."