Jack Ross has experience working in tough conditions.

At St Mirren he looked down the barrel of relegation only to guide them to safety towards a nail-biting end.

A season later he was winning the Scottish Championship at a canter with virtually the same squad - albeit with a handful of clever and necessary signings.

Stephen Robinson and Jack Ross early front runners for Hearts vacancy after Craig Levein sacking

Fast forward just a few short months later and English League One side Sunderland came calling.

Ross was desperately close to promotion to the Championship, only to lose out to Lee Bowyer's Charlton in the Wembley final last season.

Defeat in the EFL Cup Final to Portsmouth was also a bitter pill to swallow for the Scot, though he did fantastically well to guide his Black Cats to the big day in the first place.

Which is ultimately why his sacking took a number of folk by surprise. Understandably hopeful of a successful season, Sunderland had only lost two games from 14 when Ross was binned.

His reputation leaving Scotland was as strong as anyone's has been before or since.

Glasgow Times: Jack Ross was impressive at Alloa and St MirrenJack Ross was impressive at Alloa and St Mirren

Now he's favourite to take over at Hibs and second favourite to replace Craig Levein across the city at Hearts.

Is it really any wonder, though?

He's proven how good a coach he is, how good a manager. His motivational skills are clearly golden considering the miracles he was able to pull off in Paisley.

And that's exactly what Hibs and Hearts' players are crying out for.

Paul Heckingbottom and Craig Levein were clearly no longer able to motivate their players.

Even the potential and promise of a Betfred Cup final couldn't do it.

Now is surely the time for Leeann Dempster or Ann Budge to swoop for Ross to save their season.

Hibs are languishing in tenth, Hearts one point further back in 11th. Ironically the only team below - at rock bottom - are Ross's former employers St Mirren.

James Fowler pays tribute to axed Sunderland manager Jack Ross and reveals staff cried at news

Working under pressure appears to be Ross's forte.

And the situation right now at Easter Road and Tynecastle is tailor-made for a guy like Ross to come in and stamp his authority and demand more from a group of players - at either club - who are capable of producing it.

Hibs fans and Hearts supporters are not used to struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership table these days.

But they've got to do something soon.

Make a statement in the appointment of a new manager.

Glasgow Times: Ross won the Championship before his Sunderland moveRoss won the Championship before his Sunderland move

Give an ambitious young coach the opportunity to do what he's proven he's capable of before.

Lewis Morgan flourished under Ross. Kyle Magennis did, too.

Hibs and Hearts both have top players, impressive kids who could really shine under his tutelage.

Motherwell's Stephen Robinson is a good coach. Ex-Barnsley man Daniel Stendel has been touted.

John Hughes is constantly being suggested by players who have worked under him before.

Jack Ross, though, is the obvious choice. Before it's too late.