Manager Steven Naismith hailed Lawrence Shankland as the “best forward in the league” after the striker’s 22nd goal of the season defeated St Johnstone and stretched Hearts’ Scottish Premiership winning run to six games.

Shankland also came up with his side’s biggest play in defence by clearing Nicky Clark’s bullet header off the line.

Those were the key moments in an otherwise scrappy match and ensured Hearts’ brilliant run of form continues as they stay 12 points clear in third place.

“He’s in the prime of his career and he’s worked hard to get there,” Naismith told BBC Scotland of Shankland. “He has a clearance off the line which shows his understanding.

“We’re a good team. He’s had more shots per game than any striker in the league and more touches in the opposition box. All that comes from us being a good team and the supply we give him.

“He’s the best forward in the league and it’s another example tonight of him showing that.”

Naismith’s side controlled most of the game and created more chances – including one rolled across goal for Shankland and an Alan Forrest shot just wide.

But Saints also had moments where they might have snatched a point. Clark’s header was the closest they came, but Adama Sidibeh scooped over the bar from close range, and they had a shout for a penalty when Alex Cochrane appeared to block Sidibeh’s shot with his arm.

Hearts also thought they had a penalty when McGowan felled Kenneth Vargas when he was clean through, but the Costa Rican forward was offside.

In the end the Tynecastle side needed nothing more to wrap up their eighth victory in nine league games and keep up their march towards European football.

St Johnstone, meanwhile, stay 10th, five points clear of Ross County in the relegation play-off spot and 11 in front of bottom side Livingston.

Player of the match – Lawrence Shankland (Hearts)

Imperious Shankland keeps Hearts motoring – analysis

There is not much more you can say about Shankland at the moment. The numbers tell only part of the story. He now has 22 goals for Hearts this season, and 50 overall for the club, as well as one for Scotland.

But the quality of most of them is something to behold. He is not blessed with pace, but seems able to carry the ball effortlessly while holding off defenders. His close control is excellent and he can finish with both feet.

Hearts have other things going for them, a more solid defence this season and a newly-discovered grit, but Shankland is far and away the difference in most games. He has scored more than half of their league goals, for a start. Six of those have been winners, too.

His performances are sending them to third spot, barring a collapse of almighty proportions. That does not seem likely and, in fact, Hearts could surge towards one of their highest ever points totals if they can maintain this form.

St Johnstone will be disappointed with the ease at which Shankland was able to get into their box from a simple long ball, given his form and reputation for lethal finishing.

What’s clear is they miss midfielders Dan Phillips and Matt Smith, both of whom are on the treatment table. Manager Craig Levein said he wanted more quality on the ball than in recent games, and Phillips in particular provides that.

His composure, strength, and ability to get Saints moving forward is unmatched by those who step in in his absence. Having said that, the hosts still showed glimpses of good attacking play and had chances.

Benjamin Kimpioka and Sidibeh looked lively, if raw. If they can add more goals to this team then they should be safe from relegation.

What they said

St Johnstone manager Craig Levein: “It was a pretty good performance and passages of passing football. We more than matched Hearts when we got into it after 15-20 minutes.

“I was pleased with the performance, obviously not the result because losing at home is never a good thing. I thought we deserved something from the match, but we didn’t get it.”

Hearts manager Steven Naismith: “First half we probed and prodded and had some good chances, but not as many as we thought we should have. These games hinge on that first goal and we speeded the play up in the second half which was better and that gave us the chance.

“Lawrence has put it away with a brilliant couple of touches and a great finish.”

What’s next?

Hearts face Championship side Airdrieonians in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup on Sunday (17:00 GMT), which you can watch live via the BBC Sport website and app.

Saints are in league action earlier that afternoon as they make the short trip to Dens Park to play Dundee (14:00).