Hearts made it six games unbeaten in all competitions with a 2-1 victory over St Johnstone, moving into second place in the Scottish Premiership. Goals from James Wilson and an own goal from Saints debutant Enes Alic put the Jambos two ahead at the break before Ruriadh Parton pulled one back for the Perth side.
The win came less than three days after Hearts' 10-man penalty shootout victory over Rapid Vienna that clinched their Conference League spot. Manager Wouter Vrancken praised his players for their efforts in the battling performance.
Vrancken proud despite fatigue
Speaking after the match, Vrancken said: “Decent first half where we have to score more goals. And then after their goal, a little bit too much panic and the quality was gone and we're just fighting to get the result.”
He added: “But I have to say I'm still proud of the players because they played 120 minutes on Wednesday and had only two days of rest. It's not possible to fully recuperate or recover and a lot of people forget how hard it is. When you get a setback in the game, then it makes it difficult. Then you feel the fatigue extra, physically, but especially emotionally. So happy to see that they kept together and that they fought together.”
Renaud out for months
Hearts now have four days to prepare for the derby trip to face Hibs, but Vrancken revealed bad news over Tom Renaud. The midfielder suffered an ankle injury against Rapid Vienna and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Vrancken said: “It's not good for Tom. It will not be weeks, it will be months. It's difficult to say (if he will miss the Euro games). Will it affect plans for the final few days off the window? We have to discuss this week and see what's possible. Because, again, one set of things, but it has to be also the economical side of it has to also be possible.”
Match action and late drama
Hearts started brightly, with Toby Steward saving from Mendy early on. The opener came after nine minutes when Zach Mitchell's attempted pass out of his own box was cut out, allowing Josh McPake to slip in Wilson for a cool first-time finish.
Mendy had several efforts saved by Steward, and a header from a corner was ruled out for a foul on the keeper. Just before the break, Mendy thought he had scored a second, but replays showed the final touch from Jordi Altena's free kick came off Saints debutant Alic.
St Johnstone came out strongly after the restart, with Paton slotting past Reus three minutes in after bursting through the middle. Josh Fowler missed a chance to level when he rounded Reus but failed to shoot.
Vrancken brought on Blair Spittal and Landry Kabore for Mendy and Wilson, and Spittal hit the bar with a 20-yard effort. Kabore attempted to lob Steward from his own half but slipped and failed to reach the goal.
Hearts held on to secure the three points and move into second place.
