Can resolute hearts take advantage of the opportunity?

McInnes suggested his side may have gotten away with it when asked about the decision to deny St Mirren a 3-1 lead in Paisley.

VAR deemed Mark O’Hara, who was in an offside position, to have interfered with Lawrence Shankland’s path when Hearts were trying to defend a deep free-kick.

The move ended with Miguel Freckleton escaping Hearts’ high line and scoring what he felt was St Mirren’s third goal, but referee Matthew McDiarmid agreed with the VAR when he reached the screen.

That free kick was one of many that caused carnage in the Hearts box, something McInnes pointed out after the match.

But the Hearts boss was equally keen to point out the resilient mentality that ensured his side left Paisley with a point, extending their unbeaten start to 10 matches.

“We are disappointed with the goals we lost,” McInnes added. “It’s the first time we’ve looked vulnerable from set-pieces.

“Sometimes St Mirren put that pressure on you and you make bad decisions. But overall I think we were good in the game.

“I liked the way the team was at the end. The fans will stay there until death because they feel another goal is coming.

“It’s a great feeling to have as a coach, you feel that the players are doing their best to achieve the winning goal.”