Hearts Jim Jefferies insists he has no worries about Tynecastle form as they seek their first SPL win at home this season against St Mirren. "A lot has been made of the fact we haven't won at home but we have played well and with the number of injuries we've had, it's been difficult," Jefferies said.

"The results have been wrong - that's what we're trying to put right.

"Apart from the Motherwell game, when we had a few players out and they have been playing well away from home, our performances have been good. We just need to step that up.

"The fans have been fine with us. We still have two or three key players out, we have to had to deal with that this season."

Zaliukas returned to central defence last Saturday following a contract stand-off and helped Hearts to a 1-0 win at Aberdeen - their first clean sheet in the SPL since the Lithuanian's previous appearance, a 4-0 win at Hamilton in August.

"No disrespect to the other players but you can see he has made a big difference," Jefferies said. "Having Lee Wallace and Zaliukas out was difficult because you are asking people to step into these positions.

"A lot of football is about partnerships and there's no doubt (Ismael) Bouzid and Zaliukas are the strongest in there.

"Darren Barr had his best game on Saturday at right-back and (Ruben) Palazuelos had a much better game at left-back with Zaliukas in there."

The defender has yet to sign a new contract but the situation has continued to progress positively after owner Vladimir Romanov allowed him to play at Pittodrie following a breakthrough in talks.

"That has run its course," Jefferies said. "We don't anticipate any problem."