John McGlynn backs young full-backs to establish themselves in Hearts side

Hearts manager John McGlynn says he will stick with young full-backs Kevin McHattie and Callum Paterson for next weekend’s Edinburgh derby after both excelled in the 2-0 win over St Johnstone.

Both players made their SPL debuts in the game at Tynecastle and McGlynn sees no reason why they can’t play a big part in the club’s campaign.

On 17-year-old Paterson, McGlynn said: "If he is fit he will play next week.

"There are not many people who would fling two full-backs into a back four going into an SPL encounter but we've given them experience in the pre-season friendlies - they have settled in tremendously well.

"They (McHattie and Paterson) played their part in their home debuts in front of a big crowd that could have put them off but they handled the situation perfectly.

"They have played in a back four, kept a clean sheet in an SPL game and won the game and I think this will stick in their memories for years to come.

"We have these guys and a few more behind the scenes - that is a good sign ahead for the Scottish international team as well."

John Sutton had given the hosts the lead from the penalty spot before Saints striker Greogry Tade saw red for violent conduct after appearing to clash with Andy Webster.

The hosts laboured in the second period before David Templeton’s 82nd minute goal settled matters.

McGlynn admitted he felt his side were much more comfortable when the visitors had eleven men on the park, saying: "I think overall yes, I definitely do (deserve the result). I have got to be happy with that, we have kept a clean sheet and scored two goals and it was an entertaining game for the fans.

"I have to give St Johnstone a lot of credit and a lot of praise because we were 1-0 up and they had 10 men and he [Saints boss Steve Lomas] sticks another striker on and goes with a 4-3-2 formation.

"We lost our way in the second half and that is always a possibility when you're playing against 10 men.

"I personally hate playing against 10 men," he said.

"We were doing perfectly well when it was 11 v 11 and we were in control. We got a bit slack and they thrived on that and created us problems, one that we cleared off the line and another that was saved by Jamie MacDonald."