“I absolutely believe we can start a winning run against Hearts," he said.
“Our game is in good shape. We were 30 seconds away from a very important victory up in Inverness.
“It’s all about us taking our chances and it will be difficult against Hearts.
“Robbie (Neilson) and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job.
“They work so hard and are very well-organised.
“We won’t create as many chances as we have done in previous weeks so we have to make sure we take whatever we create.
“It’s a great tight stadium and there’s plenty noise. We will learn about our players when we go there.
Paatelainen added: “Certain players get excited and perform a lot better in an environment like that.
“Some are more tame than usual but that’s what you learn.
“I feel we have enough strong characters to relish it rather than crumble.
“The elements are there but we’re not winning matches which is the most important thing.
“However, it won’t carry on like this for too long. We will start winning.
“And when we start winning, hopefully we get on that little run where we can gain enough points to get closer and closer to that pack.
“I’m sure one or two clubs will then start looking over their shoulder a bit because we will pick up.”