Ahead of tomorrow's visit of Hearts, Saints boss Lennon spoke enthusiastically of the rich seam of young talent at the Paisley club.

Last week at St Johnstone, 19-year-old Kenny McLean capped a superb all-round performance at McDiarmid Park with a brilliant winner that ended the Buddies' two-game losing streak.

Another 19-year-old, Jon McShane, starred up front alongside Stevie Thompson. And Lennon was keen to accentuate his determination to give youth its chance against the Jambos and throughout the rest of the season.

He said: "I have maintained since I came to St Mirren just how vital it is for us to develop our own talent and now we are starting to see the fruits of our labour.

"I thought Kenny was outstanding at St Johnstone last week in the more central role. Big Jon has a terrific attitude and he will have learned a shed load from playing alongside Stevie Thompson up in Perth.

"Jon went out on loan to Dumbarton and did really well and won the right to be at this football club. He earned himself a two-year deal and he got his first start last weekend and did a decent job that will have added to his confidence.

"We don't have the biggest squad in the world so it is important I can trust the youngsters and continue to use them and I am delighted with their commitment and willingness to learn. Hopefully we will see more evidence of that against Hearts."

The Tynecastle side appear to be in as much chaos on the park as of it, meanwhile, and Lennon is hopeful of ending a two-game losing run at Greenhill Road.

He added: "It is vital you pick up as many points as possible at home in any league and we have got to get back to winning ways in Paisley.

"I thought we were very solid last week defensively and we will need a repeat of that to give us the platform we need against Hearts."