He refrains from using the word "lazy", but the implication is there. Weight problems, poor time-keeping, sub-standard fitness and an active social life are just some of the vices the Frenchman had to dispense with.

Changing those ways has involved honest toil and sweat in tandem with the demands of manager Csaba Laszlo, and Nade certainly looks better for his reform.

A more slimline version of the 23-year-old replaced Audrius Ksanavicius at Ibrox on Saturday for his first appearance since April. Although unable to change the course of the match, evidence of a stringent pre-season fitness programme, which remains on-going, were present in both his play and overall appearance.

Nade, signed from Sheffield United last August, played 27 times for Hearts last season but displayed a persistent inability to complete 90 minutes, a feat he managed just three times. Laszlo's arrival and strict disciplinary code have prompted an attitude overhaul which the player hopes will help alter Hearts fans' impressions of him.

"I have tried to change and I should change," he told the Evening News. "I've changed my attitude, I'm coming into training very happy and I'm working hard.

"I'm always on time now because last season I was always late. Every day I was not on time for training so I tried to change my attitude to be very professional.

"Last season maybe I was out too much. At the end of the season I realised I had to change, I had to eat well and put more effort in. I think this will be better for me."

Laboriously pounding the training fields of Riccarton isn't Nade's idea of good fun, it is merely the means to an end.

Laszlo recognised almost instantly that a player of such ability must contribute more to Hearts' cause and set about devising a schedule to knock the burly striker back into shape.

Whereas last season there appeared to be a lack of willingness on the player's part as he frequented the treatment room more than the dressing room, now he is characterised by optimism and even determination to restore his reputation. And Nade revealed the extent of his commitment to attaining full fitness when asked how long he now spends at Riccarton each day.

"Too long, I think. I spend more time there than I do in my house," he laughs. "Sometimes I'm there training and working for eight hours a day and it's really, really hard but it's only going to benefit me. I accept this.

"I work with Tom Ritchie (Hearts' fitness coach]. I argue with him every day but I know he is working to help me. I want to say thank you to him and the other staff because they have been helping me get through this."

Nade comes across as considerably more mature and settled than at any point since swapping Sheffield for Edinburgh 12 months ago. Laszlo's influence is clearly taking effect. "It's nice to have the coach come and talk to you and say he is happy with what you are doing. He says he is pleased with me and that makes you want to train harder again.

"Since pre-season in Germany I have lost a lot of weight. The manager wants me to work hard and keep going in this way. He said then he will be happy and I will be happy."

Saturday's 40-minute substitute appearance was more workmanlike than noteworthy, a byproduct of the player's quest for full match fitness. If he can be pushed into optimum condition, Laszlo could have the kind of bustling striker he desires without having to persuade Vladimir Romanov to part with any Lithuanian Litas.

Hearts await the returns of Gary Glen and Mike Tullberg from injury and, with Nade also in contention, the manager's options could very quickly become varied and interesting over the coming weeks.

"I hadn't played for four months so it was very hard to come in to a game like that against Rangers," said the Frenchman. "We were a goal down but I feel we played well and there are some good signs for us to go forward. The coach asked me to go on and show what I can do. He wanted me to keep the ball and do plenty running to work my fitness. I was hoping for a chance to score but it didn't happen.

"The strikers didn't have many chances at all during the game. We received hard balls and we couldn't keep possession. Rangers' defence played very well but I think there was too much space between our midfield and strikers, that made it easier for them and more difficult for us.

"In games like that we can't miss chances, we only had one and, if that goes in, it's a different game. But it's only the start of the season and we have to work on things like that. I think we have to score in the next game to rebuild some confidence and hopefully myself and our other strikers will be able to play more often."

Nade expects to be challenging for a starting berth next month, but before then there is more energy to be expended. "I still need more training," he said. "I need to put in some extra work and maybe after another two weeks I should be okay."

Perhaps the ending to this interview best sums up Nade's new-found enthusiasm. "What has changed for you since last season?" came the question. After pausing momentarily, he replied: "I'm happy to be here."