Robbie Neilson rues Craig Gordon Hearts absence as he admits Steven Naismith has 'a decision to make'

Frustrated Robbie Neilson says his team will soldier on against St Johnstone without Craig Gordon and Liam Boyce after the key pair came down with Covid-19.

Meanwhile the Hearts boss admits youth coach Steven Naismith has "a decision to make" after he was shortlisted for the St Mirren manager's position.

Neilson's Jambos travel to a venue that hasn't been kind to them in recent years and will be forced to make do without skipper Gordon and striker Boyce after the pair tested positive.

Ross Stewart comes in for Gordon to face St Johnstone though and Neilson insists he's comfortable using his backup keeper.

Neilson said on BBC Sportsound: "Craig's got Covid. He picked it up a couple of days ago, same with Liam Boyce, so it's disappointing.

"But Ross has been waiting for a long time to get an opportunity again and I'm sure he'll do well.

"This is what happens with Covid, it's rife everywhere and you just need to deal with it. I'm more than happy with Ross coming in."

The managerial merry-go-round has been in full swing with Aberdeen today appointing Jim Goodwin to replace Stephen Glass.

It leaves Perth Saints boss Callum Davidson as the longest-serving Premiership manager with Neilson close behind him.

Neilson added: "I think it's me and Callum actually. It just shows you football changes quickly with managers coming and going," Neilson said.

"It's just part of the game. You want to get some continuity but it's difficult at the moment."

As for St Mirren they've got a number of options on the table and Naismith, currently in charge of Hearts' Under-18s, is one of the names on the agenda.

And honest Neilson admitted he will have a decision to make in the days ahead.

He said: "Steven's a really good young coach. He's