Critchley wants Hearts to rise and face 'big week' in top-six hunt

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley says the "league table will take care of itself" as his side target a return to the top six for the first time since the opening week of the season.

The Jambos are one point behind sixth-place St Mirren and four behind fifth-place Hibs as they head into a week that sees them face both, with the Buddies to come on Wednesday followed by an Edinburgh derby on Sunday.

"It was a difficult game because of the conditions and the pitch," said Critchley.

"We've had to grind it out and fine margins, as it's been in all the games we've played against St Johnstone, but it's an important three points having lost (to Rangers) last week.

"That sets us up nicely for an important week. We just have to try and keep winning games of football."

Hearts will leapfrog Stephen Robinson's side into the top six with a win on Wednesday night, and will be confident having won 16 of their last 20 top-flight home games against St Mirren, and have only lost once in 2025.

"It's the start of a big week with nine points to play for – six now, obviously – and the league could look different come the end of the game at Hibs next Sunday.

"This is a really big three points. If you keep winning games, the league table will take care of itself.

"These are small margins. We believe that in these last 11 games, they will turn in our favour.

"If not, then of course it's not easy to win these matches if you don't get these small margins on your side."