ST MIRREN boss Danny Lennon believes his team have now turned the corner after taking four points from their last two games.

A draw against Aberdeen last Monday stopped the rot after five successive defeats, while Saturday's victory over Hearts lifted the Buddies 12 points clear of the automatic relegation spot and also above Kilmarnock into 10th in the SPFL Premiership.

Lennon had always stuck to his belief that his players would eventually lead the team out of trouble and so he was delighted to see that faith finally vindicated.

He said: "I certainly do believe we have turned the corner and I think a lot of credit has to go to the players given the character they have shown.

"Yes, it's been a slow start but hopefully that's us starting to recover. In my time here I have always believed in them.

"I know them inside out, they are bringing to the table exactly what we know they are capable of.

"I must give the experienced pros credit, too. They have led by example in the last couple of games and the boys coming in have added bags of energy and enthusiasm so it's been a good blend and a good mixture."

Lennon admitted the win over Hearts was a huge source of relief. He added: "Make no bones about it, it was a massive result for us for many reasons.

"It was our first win of the season, we got a monkey off our back, and it puts us 12 points clear of the relegation issue so we are not getting sucked into that story.

"It also put us up another position in the league, which is important. We are now above Kilmarnock and chasing down the teams above us."

The win at Tynecastle means that St Mirren under Lennon have won at every top-flight ground in the past four seasons apart from away to Celtic and newly-promoted Partick Thistle.

He added: "These statistics have been flung at me during my time here.

"People have said it's been five years since we last won at that venue, six years at this one, 20 years at another, so we are delighted not only to go to Tynecastle and get three points but also perform the way we did.

"I believe that's us won at nearly every SPL ground since my time here (apart from Celtic) and hopefully we can add Partick Thistle when we play them at Firhill.

"A lot of people have questioned my managerial ability recently but I certainly believe these type of stats show that I do have some ability."

Lennon paid tribute to John McGinn, scorer of the first goal in the win over Hearts.

"John is only 18 but has made nearly 35 appearances now and been here at the club since he was eight," said Lennon.

"He's made a massive contribution in such a short spell. He has also captained the Scotland Under-19s and he's made an impact on our first team.

"But there is so much untapped potential still to come from John. We are only scratching the surface with him. If he keeps working as hard then he'll have an outstanding career."