From a Don Cowie free-kick the ball falls to Hearts winger Jamie Walker and his low shot is not powerful enough to trouble goalkeeper Scott Fox.

"They've had a couple of promising breaks but Hearts just haven't managed to pick that final pass," says BBC Sportsound pundit Craig Paterson.

John Souttar is well positioned as he heads away a shot from David Goodwillie. Good covering from the new Hearts defender.

Referee Steven McLean halts play to have a quick word with Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson. Do we really need the fourth official cliping on the managers?

It's getting a bit tetchy now as Callum Paterson and Michael Gardyne end up in heap and the free-kick goes the way of the home side. It's flung into the mixer but Hearts stand firm at the back.

Jackson Irvine is inches away from a tap in as he lunges after a delicious low cross from Ian McShane. The Staggies are building up a nice head of steam now...

Ouch!published at 20:09 Greenwich Mean Time 10 February 2016

20:09 GMT 10 February 2016

Ross County 0-0 Hearts

First booking of the night goes to Martin Woods as the County man catches Miguel Pallardo with a stray elbow.

Image source, SNS

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at the Global Energy Stadium

"County starting to create and their work on set plays almost paid off. Another great delivery from Ian McShane, Jackson Irvine ran straight onto it but thumped his header over when he should have scored."

Jackson Irvine gets to the ball first from a Ross County corner but the big midfielder cannot steer his header on target.

"He should score there, he's only six yards out," says BBC Sportsound pundit Barry Wilson.

A few ooohs and aaahs from the home fans as Ian McShane curls a free-kick wide. Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander is not overly concerned though as he watches it fly past.

New ball please... Jeers from the home crowd as Hearts striker Juanma lumbers forward and thumps a shot high over the crossbar and high over the roof of the stand behind the goal.

Nice build up play from the hosts and captain Andrew Davies breaks from his defensive duties to join the attack, only to send a weak header wide.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at the Global Energy Stadium

"Hearts with the early chances but this looks like a fascinating match up. County with a very positive line up with Goodwillie making his debut and Boyce back after injury. The visitors with strength in wide areas with Nicholson and Walker making his first start after injury."

Sam Nicholson has another go for Hearts but his strike from distance sails high over Scott Fox's crossbar.

"With County playing with such a narrow midfield, Marcus Fraser is going to have to bomb up and down the right. That will allow Sam Nicholson space to get in behind and it will be Paul Quinn going over to cover. As a winger, that's just what you want, going up against a centre-half."

Early chance for Hearts as Sam Nicholson has a pop from 20 yards and the ball skews wide of the target after Juanma had roughed up the home defence.

Here we go!

Hearts have lost just four league matches this season, which is quite remarkable for a promoted side. 

It's something of a patchwork defence tonight, with three key players missing in Alim Ozturk, Igor Rossi and Blazej Augustyn, and they can expect a tough test.

Image source, SNS

"Jamie Walker coming back is like a new signing for us. He's been looking great in training and I'm expecting a big impact from him tonight. John Souttar and Jordan McGhee is a young central defensive partnership but that's what we're about, giving players chances and developing talent."

This time last year, Ross County were six points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership. They pulled off an amazing Great Escape and haven't looked back, which will no doubt provide inspiration / hope for fans of Dundee United.