Martin Hardie is definitely out with a knee injury, but recent injury victims Stuart McCaffrey, Kevin Moon and Peter MacDonald are all fit and in the squad.

Jonatan Johansson is also in the pool, and the former Rangers and Hibs player is keen to impress as his short-term deal ends in January.

Although without a club since joining Saints last month, Jonatan has trained with the Perth club for most of the season and he’s also been part of the Finland side, chalking up 100 caps recently.

“This is a good fixture to for us to re-start with after the international break,” said Derek.

“I always enjoy going to Tynecastle and there will be a good atmosphere.

“Hearts finished third in the SPL last season, but we take confidence from our performance against them in the 2-2 draw at McDiarmid Park earlier in the season, and I’m looking for a similar show from my team tomorrow.”

Although Saints have been beset by injuries for most of the season, Derek emphasised the whole squad has a role to play this term and he intimated players left out have to ensure they’re ready to come back in whenever required.

“I have a squad with ability and a willingness to work. My players will put their shoulder to the wheel and I have every confidence in them. We have a lot of good professionals at St Johnstone,” he added.

On the Tynecastle front, Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo has backed Ismael Bouzid to break into Algeria’s World Cup squad.

Defender Bouzid has not featured for his country since moving to Tynecastle but Laszlo said ahead of tomorrow’s game, “I am certain — if Bouzid works hard and stays injury-free — he will be a part of the Algeria national team in South Africa.”