Smith hopes defensive errors can be cut out

Liam Smith hopes Hearts can get back on the front foot in the chase for a European slot after finally sorting out their problems in defence.

The Jambos let their grasp on a Europa League slot slip after picking up just one win during a torrid sevengame run.

During that stretch, the Gorgie men were conceding an average of two goals a game as they dropped down to fifth in the Ladbrokes Premiership table.

But the recent 1-0 Tynecastle win over Dundee and goalless draw down at Kilmarnock have suggested manager Ian Cathro has found a way to solidify his team’s rearguard.

Now full-back Smith reckons those morale-boosting results will give the Gorgie flair players the confidence they need to start troubling teams at the other end.

And he hopes that will pay off when they host Partick Thistle – who have Kris Doolan and Chris Erskine in contention for a place – today.

Smith, whose side must rein in St Johnstone’s four-point lead if they are to snatch back a Euro ticket, said: “When you’re controlling games but not getting results then your confidence does take a dunt as you start thinking, ‘What do we have to do to win games?’

“So from a defender’s point of view, the two clean sheets we’ve had are a positive. We’ve been losing games but if you don’t concede goals you can’t get beat.

“When your confidence is low and you’re not picking up the results you want, you need to go back to basics and a clean sheet does that for the defenders.”

Meanwhile, the Jambos have announced they will revert to calling their home ground ‘Tynecastle Park’ once its new stand is completed next season.

Ninth-placed Hamilton, who are two points ahead of Dundee, entertain Kilmarnock.

Jambos defender Liam Smith.