St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson says skipper Liam Gordon will require patience to work his way back into the starting line-up.
The Perth captain was injured with shin splints early in the campaign but, since returning, has been kept out the team by a well-performing central three of Ryan McGowan, Alex Mitchell and Andy Considine.
Gordon is desperate to get back on the field of play and earned praise from Davidson for his positive attitude and desire to impress.
“Liam has been really unfortunate with injuries,” Davidson said.
“I want to have a problem where some players aren’t happy they are not playing. I have players like Liam desperately wanting to play but at the same time he is showing a great attitude.
“He is a great lad. He needs to be patient, wait his time and when he comes in play well.
“The back three has been excellent. The whole back five and goalkeeper actually.”
Gordon continues to support his team-mates off the field of play in his role as skipper and Davidson said the club has a number of characters who lift dressing room spirits.
“Everyone else is getting a chance to speak now that Shaun (Rooney) is gone,” Davidson smiled. “If you lose a couple of characters, a couple of others step up. We have a few good characters in the dressing room.”
Whether Gordon gets the nod at Tynecastle or not this weekend, the Saints rearguard will need to be switched on to contain a dangerous Hearts attack.
The Jambos have made a strong start to the league season and were this week involved in a Europa League tussle with Swiss side FC Zurich.
Those European nights can often zap energy from the legs, as Davidson witnessed when taking Saints on their continental adventure last term.
“We found it tough last season,” Davidson explained to the PA.
“It can be tough playing Thursday and then Sunday. Probably more mentally tiring.
“But Hearts have a good size of squad to cope with it and we need to be fully prepared that they will be right up for the game.
“We need to make sure we pounce on any little slip-ups they make and put them under as much pressure as possible.”
Midfielder Murray Davidson was rated as 50/50 to make the trip to the capital after taking a knock against Aberdeen, while left-sided full-back Adam Montgomery has been passed fit to return to action following a slight thigh issue.
