Hearts explain Beni Baningime's absence, Kyosuke Tagawa's situation, and what went on at St Mirren

The Edinburgh club’s final away game of the season ended in a 2-2 draw

Hearts head coach Steven Naismith declared himself pleased with much of the 2-2 draw at St Mirren but lamented the concession of two “poor” goals. James Scott and James Bolton both scored for St Mirren for the first time, with Hearts equalising twice through Kyosuke Tagawa and Lawrence Shankland during an entertaining affair.

St Mirren have qualified for Europe for the first time in 37 years and Hearts are guaranteed league-stage football on the Continent next season. The two teams seemed content to take a point each with their Premiership positions now finalised.

“I think it was a game that showed there wasn’t much on it and the two teams played with freedom,” said Naismith. “I was pleased with a lot of aspects. The goals we concede are poor but apart from that our play was good and I felt we were in control a fair bit. We went behind twice and got goals back quite quickly, which helps, but there was a lot of good play. We changed the team up a bit and players came in, but a lot of them played well and it shows you the depth that we have got.”

Tagawa, the Japanese forward, has struggled to make an impact at Hearts this season. Naismith stressed he retains full belief in the player who arrived last summer from FC Tokyo. “I’ve known about his quality but he has been unfortunate,” said the head coach. “I feel he’s not had the breaks this season and new players need to try and get them, and then we have had the best striker in the league [Shankland] so that’s going to be tough.

“Kyosuke has worked really hard, he has consistently performed in training, and wanted to prove that he can be an asset. His movement was brilliant for the goal and then the finish is a striker’s finish. I’m really pleased for him. I felt Scott Fraser came in and did really well. Overall, there was lots of good stuff. We were brave on the ball and played through, but maybe didn’t make the most of it in the final third.”

Shankland’s instinctive overhead effort was his 30th Hearts goal of the campaign. He is the first to achieve that feat since John Robertson in 1987/88. “It’s incredible,” remarked Naismith. “He has had plaudits and people have talked throughout the season, but I don’t think people will really understand it for a few years until it has been and gone and someone else is scoring goals. Hearts did a lot to get him here and then put their faith in him that he was going to be good. He has been a brilliant pro, a good leader, and his goal record over the two seasons here is unbelievable. He deserves everything that comes his way.

“He has had to graft his whole career to get anything out of it. He has had knockbacks and setbacks when he was younger and he is now getting recognition with the awards and the international scene. But he deserves every bit of it. I think it’s one of his best goals. That’s what makes him different. He is calm in the box and instinctive, and he understands what’s going on. He doesn’t rush or snatch at the ball. It’s a brilliant finish.”

Midfielder Beni Baningime missed the game for Hearts and Naismith explained his absence. “We have three games in a week. He’s going to be a big player for us,” said Naismith. “He’ll have a shift on on Saturday [against Rangers] and I’d rather give him the rest. I also feel that that position suits Scott Fraser. He’s not had a chance to play in there but tonight showed his calmness on the ball and his understanding of how to find space. So it gave us an opportunity to see him.”

Academy graduate Aidan Denholm played from the start for the visitors with teenagers James Wilson and Macaulay Tait emerging from the substitutes’ bench during the second half. All three can expect to be more involved next season. “I think they’ll be part of it. Macaulay and Aidan have been a big part of it,” said Naismith. “I think James will step up, Finlay Pollock’s got an opportunity and a few others will get a chance through pre-season.

“They played tonight because I think they can and they deserve to. James’ movement was really good and I thought Aidan and Macaulay did well when they were on the pitch. That’s something the club has to do consistently. We’ve got a good group, guys who want to maximise what they can do in the game. I’m fortunate that I’m able to play them.”