Robbie Neilson savoured “a really important” victory over St Johnstone as his side set themselves up nicely for their double-header against Celtic.
The Jambos recovered from their recent 2-0 defeat at Motherwell to record an ultimately comfortable 3-0 win at home over Saints that keeps them five points clear of in-form city rivals Hibs. With the Jambos about to face table-topping Celtic in the league on Wednesday and then again in the Scottish Cup next Saturday, Neilson knew they needed a morale-boosting result against the Saints.
“I think it was really important,” he said. “We go Celtic back-to-back, which is always difficult. Today was important but any game at Tynecastle you are expected to win, as we will be next Saturday.
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“St Johnstone are really well organised and they press really well. They always have a threat when Stevie May is up front. Connor McLennan has got pace, and Graham Carey has a great left foot as well so you have to be careful.
“What pleased me with the players was a couple of times we gave the ball away but we kept passing it through (the lines) and eventually got ourselves there.”
Neilson praised Josh Ginnelly who returned from suspension to score a double against Saints before Jorge Grant sealed the win.
“We miss his pace, his energy (when he’s not in the team),” said Neilson. “I think that understanding he has with Lawrence Shankland as well, it allows Shankland to drop in because Ginnelly will threaten in behind. The two of them worked really well together.”
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