Heart of Midlothian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland

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Zander Clark says his wife was his "rock" during the "dark days" of having no club before joining Hearts.

The goalkeeper says Robyn, a midwife, was out doing "proper work" while often sat in the same position all day, but she pushed him to stick to his training and keep fit to earn his place back in a squad.

"She was having to go and do extra shifts as I was probably sitting in the same place on the couch when she went to her work and came back 12 hours later," Clark said. "I was still sitting there with the dishes still round about me.

“She was a rock with me. Encouraging me to go and do the training and make sure I was in good condition. You can quite easily fall into a dark hole. There were dark days when she was at work for three or four days doing 12 hour shifts.

“She is a midwife. She does proper work. She does three 12 hours, four or five some weeks. She was coming in knackered and I had done two sessions of probably an hour and a half.

“It’s only then you realise she was the trooper in the house that was keeping everything together. That was the driving factor for me to go and bring another income into the house.

“When you are on your own, delivering a baby and have two lives at risk there is a lot more pressure there than I will ever face in my life."

James Bolton returned to training on Friday after coming off early in St Mirren’s game against Motherwell last week with a bruised hip and he will be assessed. Ryan Strain recently returned from groin surgery but he picked up a niggle in training earlier in the week and his fitness will be monitored.

Hearts are set to be without Beni Baningime through illness, while Craig Halkett and Peter Haring are still out with knee problems, and Liam Boyce and Calem Nieuwenhof remain sidelined with hamstring issues.

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Steven Naismith says contract talks are on hold at high-flying Hearts, but insists the players still have plenty to play for until the end of the season.

The Tynecastle boss has several key players' deals ending in the summer, yet is in no rush to be locked in negotiations while there's still football to be played.

“We will wait until the end of the season. The majority of this stuff will be done behind closed doors but probably in the off-season. There is no rush.

"With the players that are out of contract there will be a decision in the summer made if we are going to renew them or whether they want to move on. All these things will be done at the end of the season when the football stops.”

While Hearts have third place in the Premiership all but wrapped up, the manager is adamant there's more to be achieved for his squad in the final weeks of the campaign.

"If we achieve what we want to in the league before the end of the season, the full focus will be on going as far as we can in the cup.

"Beyond that it’s about how do we get better next season. It doesn’t stop, there's no easing off.

"Individually, the players have got internationals in the summer. We have a lot of boys who want to be in the international set-up and it’s not in my nature to let it drop off.”

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland

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• All discussions regarding new contracts or extensions have been put on hold until the end of the season.

• Believes there are still plenty of incentives for his squad to his aspire to despite their comfy position as best of the rest in the Premiership.

• These include cementing third spot, the chance to contest the Scottish Cup final and earning international call-ups for the summer, especially with the Euros on the horizon.

• Insists his players will not "drop off" their performance levels as it's not in his nature to allow a slump.

• Their focus this week has to be on beating St Mirren in Paisley and "hurting" the teams directly below them in the table.

• Beni Baningime has been suffering with illness and may have to miss Saturday's trip west. Other than that, he says the players are looking fresher after a good week of training.

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• After going unbeaten at home against Hearts in the top-flight between November 2011 and March 2020 (W4 D4), St Mirren have since won just one of their last five such meetings with the Jambos at the SMISA Stadium (D2 L2).

• Hearts won their last meeting with St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership 2-0 in December, and are aiming to beat the Buddies twice in the same league season for the first time since 2021-22, when they won all three of the meetings between the two sides.

• St Mirren have won each of their last three home league games, scoring exactly twice in each win; the Saints last won more such games in a row in October 2022 (four in a row).

• None of Hearts' 15 away games in the Scottish Premiership this season have ended level (W9 L6), the longest stretch of such matches from the beginning of a season by any side since St. Mirren didn’t draw any of their first 16 games on the road in the 2013-14 campaign.

• Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland tops the Scottish Premiership this season for goals (20), points won thanks to goals (18), and percentage of a side’s goals scored (50%).

Hearts only have one win in their last five Scottish Premiership matches, but still sit comfortably in third.

With that in mind, should Steven Naismith make changes to his team?

Tell us your preferred XI here.

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Goalkeeper Michael McGovern has returned to Hearts after a short loan spell at Livingston.

The 39-year-old former Norwich keeper signed when Livi were hit with injuries to Shamal George and Jack Hamilton in January.

McGovern made five appearances for David Martindale's side and although initially joined on loan until the end of the season returns to his parent club.

“Michael came in at a time when we were really struggling with no available first-team goalkeepers due to injuries picked up by both Shamal and Jack,” Livi manager Martindale said.

“With both keepers now back to full fitness and available for selection again, Michael has returned to Hearts for the remainder of the season.

“I want to thank Michael for his time at Livingston and his professionalism whilst here. Seeing him working on a daily basis to the standards he sets made it very evident as to why he has had such a prolonged career at the top level.”

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland

With Hearts having almost secured a third-place finish in the Premiership, it would be easy for everyone to sit back and relax.

However there will be a demand from both Steven Naismith and the club's fans to end the campaign on a positive note.

When you throw in the Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers looming on the horizon, there is a duty for Hearts to maintain the levels of performance that have brought them this far.

With a number of players entering the final year of their current deals in the summer, and others whose contracts are set to expire, this can be a key part of campaign.

Managers elsewhere are always on the lookout for new recruits, while a good end to this season could mean the difference between a new contract being offered or not.

Having covered Hearts for over 25 years, Tynecastle has always been a place players find difficult to leave.

Even as recently as last weekend, former goalkeeper Gilles Rousset was back at Tynecastle rekindling memories of his six years at the club with the highlight undoubtedly being the cup win over Rangers at Hampden in 1998.

Nowadays it’s rare for players to remain at clubs for that length of time but nevertheless any player who walks into the dressing room is instantly made aware of how special a place it can be.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

Even though Hearts have only won once in the last six games in all competitions, it’s hard to be downbeat as we enter the business end of the season.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock wasn’t the result that us Jambos wanted, but when you take a step back, it’s a solid point gained.

Derek McInnes’ side have bloodied the nose of the Old Firm on a number of occasions this season, so coming to Tynecastle was never going to faze his team.

That said, we started the game brightly and after Kenneth Vargas’ opener on 10 minutes, had we clinched the second goal soon after, we would have likely dominated the rest of the contest.

Unfortunately that didn’t happen and over the course of 90 minutes, Kilmarnock thoroughly deserved their share of the spoils with Marley Watkins’ equaliser.

Frankie Kent's return in defence was a positive, while there was also a first league start for 18-year-old Macaulay Tait in midfield.

With just seven league games left and an 11-point gap to Kilmarnock, it’s fair to assume Hearts will be competing in European group stages next season – unless Aberdeen throw a spanner in the works by lifting the Scottish Cup.

Yan Dhanda, James Penrice and Blair Spittal will all come in on pre-contract deals in the summer; they are low-risk signings, and provide depth to the squad as the club prepares to deal with the rigours of European competition.

The permanent addition of Kenneth Vargas is also shrewd business. He will only get better, especially when he has the opportunity to bring his family over to stay and build some roots in Gorgie.

There’s been chat in recent days around the re-signing of Beni Baningime for next season and he’s someone who I’d love to see stay. I think a lot of people still forget that he spent 15 months out and is still working his way back up to the form he showed pre-injury.

Of course the deal has to be financially right for both parties, but given how quietly effective the club have been in preparing for next season, I’m optimistic that we will see Baningime return next season.

Greg Playfair can be found on the Oorweechat podcast, external.

Heart of Midlothian will hold end-of-season talks with 14 of their first-team squad whose contracts are due to expire in summer 2025 and, while some will be offered extensions, one or two could be sold before the start of next season. However, the Edinburgh club would want a minimum of £2m to sell left-back Alex Cochrane, who has attracted interest from English clubs. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Midfielder Beni Baningime, whose own contract talks have been shelved until the end of the season, has revealed that Hearts' changing-room has been buzzing at the news that three "great players" - Ross County playmaker Yan Dhanda, Livingston left-back James Penrice and Motherwell midfielder Blair Spittal - will be joining the club this summer. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland

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Macaulay Tait believes he can "make an impact" at Hearts, after making his first start for Steven Naismith's side in the 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock.

The 18-year-old midfielder came off the bench in nine previous games this season before making his full debut at the weekend, and was pleased with his performance.

"I thought first half I had a bit of control and did well," Tait told BBC Scotland. "The second half was a bit scrappy and end to end so I had a bit less impact but I thought I did well in the game.

"I feel every opportunity I’ve had to play I've played well and today was my first start. It was a nice feeling and I think I can make an impact on the team."

Naismith praised the youngster's "calmness beyond his years" in the game, after handing him his full debut.

Tait said the Hearts manager has "helped massively" as he has tried to break into the starting lineup.

"It’s helped make it a much easier transition into the first team," Tait said. "I know that he knows what I can do and that helps me play a bit more freely.

"I know him personally and he helps me a lot so it’s been good to work with him.

"I’m really determined. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point and it’s only starting. There are some really good players ahead of me so there is a lot of competition for places and everybody is working as hard as they can."

We asked for your thoughts after Hearts' 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Gez: This time last year it was a game where we would've folded, and the same in plenty of seasons before that. We didn't today though. We gutted it out. We got a point.

Euan: Flat performance yet again. Again, question marks about Steven Naismith leading this club going forward. That's six games at home this season against Hibs, Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Ross County and zero wins. Not good enough. Not enough leaders on the pitch and when Lawrence Shankland doesn't perform the team look a bottom six team.

Kuptin: Kilmarnock looked good and a draw was a fair result. Hearts improved a lot when the subs came on. Great goal from Marley Watkins to be fair.

Alan: Four points from our remaining two fixtures before the break and we've all but got third spot tied up and a semi-final to look forward to as well. I wasn't pro-Naismith getting the gig, but didn't want him sacked when things weren't so good either - now I'd love to see him getting the contract extension he deserves. Great call by the board.

Steve: Dexter Lembikisa and Alex Cochrane are very poor full-backs - not good enough. Jorge Grant is also a pedestrian. We desperately need a right-back and Stephen Kingsley back at left-back. Great to see Barrie McKay back. The current midfield just don’t knit well together and Shankland needs support up front. Looking at today's line-up, never expected a win.

Chris: Looked good for 35 minutes then Killie always looked likely and couldn’t have complained if they had left with the win. Subs were badly needed to stop the inevitable goal they got, Naismith left it far too late as Macauley Tait was done by half-time. Rare off day for Shankland, was poor.

Jim: Played well against a good Kilmarnock team but once again the right-back position cost us we desperately - need a right-back. Surely we have one playing in the B team - we have struggled since Mikey Smith.

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Steven Naismith hopes Barrie McKay can put his injury woes behind him, with the playmaker making his return in the 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock.

The 29-year-old made his first appearance in three months coming on as a late substitute.

“It has definitely been a frustrating season for him, he’s felt it,” said manager Naismith.

“He’s definitely shown that he’s frustrated. In the moments he was on (against Kilmarnock), you could see his intelligence and his quality.

“As the weeks go on, he’s only going to get better. We need to get him minutes, and get him involved because he’s a real threat for us.”

Naismith also praised 18-year-old midfielder Macaulay Tait, who made his first senior start in the draw.

“He’s a real quality player,” said Naismith. “You could look at his stature and think ‘Killie, a physical team, is he going to be able to handle it?’ But he’s robust, he’s happy to go into a tackle, he puts his body in when he needs to.

“But then he’s got a calmness beyond his years. He’s happy to take the ball under pressure and he doesn’t panic.

“It was a really good performance from him individually but it’s not a surprise to me.”

Dexter Lembikisa is open to extending his stay at Hearts beyond his current loan spell from Wolves. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Hearts head coach Steven Naismith felt his side lacked sharpness in Saturday's 1-1 home draw with Kilmarnock. (Scotsman - subscription), external

Players returning to training from international duty as late as Friday affected Hearts before Killie's visit, says Naismith. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip

Hearts head coach Steven Naismith: "It’s a hard one because the game’s after international [breaks] are the hardest to prepared for and the hardest for players to play in from my experience.

"A lot of our boys have travelled a lot, didn’t get back until Friday and you’re dealing with one day’s prep.

"I’m frustrated we didn’t win the game because when we go 1-0 up we had some good play to get us into the final third, but it’s just that last wee bit. That comes form the boys being away, an intense time with your international [team] and then coming back and that sharpness, it’s tought to do.

"Frustrated from that point of view and the goal is just a long ball and our overall our set-up could have been better but it’s a brilliant strike form Marley - you need to credit them for that.

"Everything considered I’m relatively pleased, you’re coming out today that noone’s gained ground on you, there’s a game less to play, so it’s positive for us than the other teams round about us."

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Did you take in the action at Tynecastle this afternoon or were you following along from elsehere?

We want your views on this afternoon's match.

Get in touch here.

Jack Herrall, BBC Sport Scotland

Hearts head coach Naismith had set his side up well with their midfield three often limiting Killie to long ball and forcing them wide but width has been key to their success this season with Armstrong and Kennedy allowed a fair bit of time on the ball.

Youngster Macaulay Tait was brave and keen in his first Hearts league start.

The hosts seem all-but-certain to finish third but when Shankland has a quieter afternoon, as he did today, their attack looks blunted and far less ominous.

A goal always helps but Vargas' play this afternoon was brilliant throughout.

Never afraid to apply himself and do some of the less-than-glamorous tracking back and pressing. He showed exactly why Hearts made his loan move permanement and handed him a five-year deal just this week.

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Heart of Midlothian: Clark, Kent, Kingsley, Baningime, Grant, Shankland, Forrest, Cochrane, Tait, Vargas, Lembikisa.

Substitutes: Gordon, Oda, Atkinson, Devlin, Rowles, McKay, Denholm, Fraser, Tagawa.

Kilmarnock: Dennis, Mayo, Wright, FIndlay, Deas, Kennedy, Armstrong, Polworth, Donnelly, Watkins, Vassell.

Substitutes: O'Hara, Ndaba, McKenzie, Balagizi, Watson, Cameron, Stewart, Mackay-Steven, Van Veen.

Follow to action live here.

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Calem Nieuwenhof says the "tight-knit" nature of the Hearts dressing room has helped him settle into life in Gorgie.

"The dressing room is really great," the Australian said. "Such great characters and there are really good personalities. Everyone gets along really well.

"I think everyone's got that really good personality where we have a laugh, but when it get serious, when know when to switch on and when to put our best foot forward.

"It's been really nice having the Aussie boys in the squad. They've been awesome to chat to and learn off. It's a really tight-knit bunch of lads"

The midfielder could make his return to the Hearts squad after an injury-lay, and is raring to get back out on the pitch.

"It's progressing really well. It's been three weeks and I'm back in training. I'll hopefully be on the bench this weekend.

"I was lucky in terms of the timing that I didn't miss too many games. For me, it's just about getting back on the pitch as soon as I can."