Instead, he says, it's his players who should take all the plaudits for their recent turn in fortunes … not that he didn't see it coming.

"I don't want to take any credit for our recent run, I'm just happy for the boys for doing so well in recent weeks," he told Heraldsport.

"I've said from the start of this season that they have the right attitude and spirit, and have always demanded enough of themselves and each other, to deserve exactly what they are achieving.

"They have now gone six games without being beaten but when you assess the last 14 then, apart from Celtic at Parkhead, they have been more than capable of taking something from every single one.

"It's just very pleasing that all the hard work the players have continually put it has come to fruition.

"Now we want to keep it going when we play Hearts this Saturday. Tynecastle is a very difficult venue but we go there with inspiration and, if we continue to do things in the right manner, then we will hold no fear."

That was in abundance last weekend when the Bairns claimed three well-earned points against a high-flying Motherwell side.

And Hughes said it was a product of doing the fundamentals well and applying their training ground routines on the field of play.

He went on: "I was delighted with a lot of different aspects and it was great to get the victory on the back of it.

"The defenders and midfielders won their headers, tackles and individual battles, and the goal was fantastic – a real team effort.

"We've been working a lot on that kind of transitional play, carrying out drills when no one is allowed to go back on themselves, so when it comes together on the pitch then it is very pleasing.

"Scott Flinders also showed the belief and mental mindset to handle things after Inverness and produced a wonderful save from Chris Porter to keep us in front.

"And we also finished the game with players that have come through the system – Darren Barr, Scott Arfield, Chris Mitchell and Mark Stewart.
So, all in all, it was a very satisfying day."

But, despite every one of his charges getting good pass marks, Hughes says he will not rest on his laurels.

The boss was continuing his relentless search for new blood down south on Tuesday night, taking in the Oldham v Cheltenham FA Cup tie.

"We're always looking to improve the squad and I'd like to bring one or two in at Christmas, but appreciate that money is tight in the current financial climate," he explained.

"A goalkeeper is a priority although I'm looking to keep Scott for the rest of the season.

"He likes being out of the spotlight up here and has settled in well in Scotland with his girlfriend.

"However, we need to look elsewhere in case that should fall through.

"Meanwhile, everyone else is playing for their future as well, and bringing others in will mean shuffling the pack."

Neil McCann will miss out on a return to his former stomping ground on Saturday due to a hamstring strain, while Carl Finnigan (viral infection) and Tam Scobbie (groin injury) are stepping up rehabilitation and may be back playing in the near future.