Derek McInnes hopes for Cillian Sheridan scoring streak
Last updated on .From the section Football
St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes hopes on-loan CSKA Sofia striker Cillian Sheridan's two goals against Hearts will start a scoring streak.
"He normally goes on a run when he gets that first goal and hopefully that will be the case," McInnes told BBC Scotland after the 2-0 win at McDiarmid Park.
"That is a big result for us. That's five games unbeaten in the league now.
"I thought it was a great team performance as Hearts are best equipped to finish third in the league."
St Johnstone are now level on points with the Edinburgh side, who sit fourth on goal difference, and McInnes believes the victory was deserved.
"I think the first goal is important in any game and we go and get that goal and showed an element of control and assurance about us," he said.
"Hearts played around in front of us and Hearts have some good players, but I think we restricted their better players."
Until Hearts' visit, Francisco Sandaza, who has six goals this season since signing for the Perth club in the summer, has been the one grabbing the headlines and he set up both of Sheridan's goals.
"The two boys up top are carrying that threat," said McInnes, whose side struggled to score last season.
"We didn't get as many chances as we have had in previous games, but Cillian has been clinical.
"I am pleased for him because he has been doing a lot of the donkey work for Fran and Fran's been getting a lot of the plaudits.
"But Fran would be the first to recognise the work that Cillian is doing to occupy centre-halfs.
"They are a proper partnership and we never had that last season.
"They have a good understanding and are a handful if they get the right service."
Only 2,770 fans watched the game, which kicked off at 1200 BST to suit live television coverage, a figure that disappointed the St Johnstone manager.
"It is a pity, but we've sold our soul to the television," added McInnes.
"We've had to take the money and sometimes that can affect it.
"If that was on a Saturday at three o'clock, you could possibly be looking at double that.
"You get a massive Hearts support here normally."
