Sean Clare says Hearts are ready to pick up the pace again and prove they are still in the title race.

Craig Levein's men made a blistering start to the season but they have surrendered top spot to Celtic after taking just one point from the last nine.

However, they only sit behind the Hoops on goal difference and with key men Christophe Berra and Steven Naismith due back from injury imminently, frontman Clare believes his team will still be firmly in the hunt if they can see off St Mirren in Paisley on Saturday.

Asked if he felt his side could still challenge for the title, the former Gillingham attacker said: "Yeah I think so. We had a really tough run of games but we're only second on goal difference.

"We have got the chance to take top spot back next week with Celtic playing in the Betfred Cup final.

"We just have to go out and do what we can do and the rest will take care of itself.

"We have lost some big players, we have got a good squad and we can push through this stage.

"If any of the injured players are good enough to claim a place in the squad, then when they do return they will only improve us.

"Unfortunately we lost players like Naisy, Uche Ikpeazu and Soapy (John Souttar) but once we get through this little period we will only go from strength to strength."