Callum Davidson reckons Hearts have taken their game up a level thanks to their European adventure.
Robbie Neilson's side enjoyed their first taste of the Conference League this season, beating Latvians RFS but losing to Fiorentina and Istanbul Basaksehir. Since then they have returned to third spot in the Premiership and look on course to secure continental qualification once more.
They've got third spot in their hands with a five-point advantage over Hibs and that takes them into Conference League qualifiers but if they can win the Scottish Cup - or if Rangers of Celtic lift the trophy - Hearts will face a play-off to get into the Europa League group stage with the parachute of a slot in the ECL groups if they lose.
READ MORE: Robbie Neilson labels Hearts' next four games as a 'big period' for their season targets
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
St Johnstone boss Davidson reckons the European experience was hugely beneficial to Neilson and his players as he prepares to take his side to Tynecastle on Saturday having twice lost 3-2 to the Jambos in this campaign.
Davidson said: "Hearts are third for a reason. They've got quality. Playing in Europe has probably brought them up another level. The players have realised what standard is required to play regularly at that level and have stepped up to the plate.
"Robbie sets his team up in a difficult way to play against. He plays 3-4-3 most of the time and there are little tweaks here and there. That's what we did a couple of years ago when we had a lot of success in the double year.
"The two games we've played have been good. I have watched both of them back and we could have got something out of both of them. We scored twice in both games, but we've conceded three each time.
2We were really good against them for the first 60 minutes at McDiarmid Park in December, but we didn't take anything.
"We need to make sure we shut up shop and cut out those little mistakes."
READ NEXT:
- Michael Smith would love Hearts stay as he sends future message but concedes decision not his
- Hearts loanee James Hill reveals ex-Celtic star Ryan Christie's advice ahead loan from Bournemouth
- Robbie Neilson Hearts must take 'next step' in Scottish Cup as he hails goal star Stephen Humphrys
- Lawrence Shankland's Hearts shout at Stephen Humphrys revealed as he opens up on own half stunner
- Robert Snodgrass details his Hearts 'biggest disappointment' as he watches Rodri for new role tips
