St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas believes Hearts' recent financial issues have helped, rather than hindered, their efforts on the park.

The Jambos hit the headlines after failing to pay wages on time on a number of occasions but the players have produced the right results during what has been a difficult period.

And, as Saints prepare to travel to Tynecastle for the fifth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup, Lomas has been impressed by how boss Paulo Sergio and his team have coped.

He said: "We are expecting a very tough game. Hearts and Paulo and the players have to take enormous credit for how they have dealt with the financial side of it.

"It has galvanised them and pushed them forward. And he probably hasn't lost as many players [in January] as he thought he was going to do.

"We know it was a tough game there earlier in the year and we know we are going to be in for another one."

The Perth side were denied a place in last year's final after slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Motherwell.

Lomas added: "As a player, I always wanted to do well in the cup.

"The lads had a taste of it last year and just fell at the second last hurdle to get to the final. Hopefully it's whetted their appetite for another cup run."

Lomas was pleased to see the end of the transfer window with two of his top players still at the club.

Francisco Sandaza was targeted by Rangers, while Jody Morris was linked with a move to former boss Derek McInnes' Bristol City.

Lomas said: "You want to keep your best players and those two fall into that category.

"It's a massive boost for the club. We know Fran is a good boy, Jody has been playing well and he's the club captain.

"It would have been a loss - there are no two ways about it."

And the Saints boss says the pair have no problems remaining at McDiarmid Park.

He added: "There were no issues at all. I've got a good relationship with both of the boys.

"They are two good boys who both love football. I like people who love the game.

"It's a great life that we've got and those two certainly appreciate it and there are no issues."