Stephen Robinson shows why Hearts board deserve credit for third place march as St Mirren boss piles praise on

The St Mirren boss reckons the Hearts chiefs also deserve some third place kudos.

The St Mirren boss has plenty of time for Steven Naismith

Stephen Robinson reckons the Hearts board have shown the value in sticking to your beliefs as the Jambos close in on third.

Goals from Jorge Grant and a wind-assisted Alex Cochrane corner being ruled an own goal secured a 2-1 win over St Mirren at the weekend. With six Premiership games remaining this term, Hearts are 11 points clear of fourth-placed Kilmarnock and look destined to claim third.

Earlier this season, there were criticisms of head coach Steven Naismith, but he has turned things around in emphatic fashion and victory on Saturday away at a fellow top six club came without talisman Lawrence Shankland. Robinson has been impressed by the work Naismith has provided in Gorgie.

The St Mirren boss reckons it shows what can happen with a strong board behind a manager, as sets Europe as the new Buddies target after their top six berth was confirmed. He said: "I think Steven has done a fantastic job. I have to say, credit to the Hearts board because when you stick by people that's what happens.

“Early on in his managerial career people there were giving him stick which I found incredible. He's proved what a good manager he is. We are punching way above our weight in terms of the clubs we are competing with. Credit to the staff who work tirelessly to drag every bit of energy and quality out of the squad.

“And to the board who have backed us for the last two years and tried to push the club forward. Now our aim is - can we get into Europe? It’s 37 years since we managed that but now we can breathe a bit, relax and play our football. We did that against a Hearts side clear in third and had 60 per cent possession."