Jordy Hiwula steps forward for County to turn a Hearts defender inside out this time.

A swift drop of the shoulder and Craig Gordon pulls off a great reflex save to deny County an opener.

Nathaniel Atkinson has been taken off too, replaced by new signing Jorge Grant.

Hibernian are just all over St Johnstone right now.

Jair Tavares is next to have a pop at goal, but he blazes his effort over.

All very promising stuff for manager Lee Johnson but the score remains level.

A wonderful chance for Hibs!

Marijan Cabraja sends in a delicious ball to the back post where the advancing Ewan Henderson is waiting. He's completely unmarked but skews his volleyed shot high and wide.

And again!

Ross County have seriously imposed themselves on this game.

Owura Edwards zips past Nathaniel Atkinson, who cannot get anywhere near him, and curls a shot against the crossbar.

Owura Edwards whips in a cross and Dominic Samuels manages to dig out a header that crashes off the post.

What a chance for County!

Willie Miller
Former Scotland defender on BBC Sportsound

Image source, SNS

Hibs midfielder Ewan Henderson takes a lovely touch to control a long pass then goes down in the St Johnstone box as he runs into defender Ryan McGowan, but the referee does not budge.

Ross County have grown in the game and are finding a lot of joy out wide when they find space in behind Hearts' three central defenders.

None of their cut-backs have resulted in a shot on target yet but they're getting closer.

Kilmarnock go close again through Liam Polworth. They break down the left, with the ball rolled to the edge of the box, but Polworth's curling effort goes just wide.

United break up the pitch and Ash Taylor clears out Craig Sibbald on the edge of the area. Charlie Mulgrew lines it up... and it's saved by Sam Walker, low to his right.

A sun-kissed Tynecastle has yet to witness much excitement with a few slack passes and and over-hit crosses from both sides.

New Hearts signing Lawrence Shankland fires a shot towards goal that buzzes narrowly wide. The Scotland cap has looked lively in the opening stages.

Hibernian have come flying out of the traps in Perth. St Johnstone have barely had an opportunity to string a pass together.

Nohan Kenneh slams a shot just over from 20 yards as the visitors continue to press.

Early chance for Kilmarnock...

Some nice passing between Kerr McInroy and Kyle Lafferty, with the ball squeezing through to Liam Polworth - playing at left-wing back this afternoon - but his shot is straight at debutant Mark Birighitti.

And away we go.

St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson: "The mood is good, we know the reasons why we didn't get through the group stages, but for me now it is about getting ready for the league season. Players are fit and sharp and looking good and there is that little bit excitement and a little apprehension that occurs when you go into a new league season.

"No matter what position I am in, I put pressure on myself. I ask can I do a good job, and I believe I am and hopefully we can get a good start to the season and look upwards rather than downwards."

Hibernian manager Lee Johnson: "For a couple of days we have looked strong. Obviously, we have had challenges throughout this pre-season but we have signed a lot of players, we have had to go through a lot of red tape to get these players through but it has all fallen quite nicely. I think the boys are fit and organised, it'll be a big test for three or four of our boys that are on the pitch today, a new experience in Scottish football for them, but we have lots of pace and agility and it'll be quite exciting to see how we cope and if we can turn the game into our favour.

"It's coming together nicely, there are so many positives with the football club. We have 16-22-year-olds who are up there, I think, with the best in the country in terms of their potential. It's bringing those attributes and turning them into good performances, and if we can do that, it's a very exciting time for the club."

Image source, SNS