Lawrence Shankland steals show, 3/10 dud was brainless – Hearts player ratings vs St Mirren

Hearts went six points clear at the summit as Lawrence Shankland’s performance and goal helped the Jambos pick up an incredible 2-0 victory over St Mirren on Wednesday, despite being down to 10 players.

It was the worst possible start for the hosts as Beni Baningime was issued a red card after a VAR review for a reckless challenge 15 minutes in. Nevertheless, Hearts remained positive and had the better chances in the first half as they pushed for an opener.

Their confidence grew in the second half, and Shankland poked the Jambos in front on the hour mark with a great finish.

Tomas Magnusson then popped up to head in the rebound after Harry Milne’s saved effort to put Hearts 2-0 late on.

It was the second time in a week that Hearts have won despite being down to 10-men as they continue to hunt for the Scottish Premiership title.

Down to 10 men since the 14th minute, but Hearts lead St Mirren through Lawrence Shankland.

As it stands, they’ll maintain their six-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/DoXetD84Iq— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 14, 2026

Lawrence Shankland – Man of the match

Was there ever any doubt?

Shankland has been the star man for Hearts for years, and the captain popped up with another vital goal on Wednesday.

It was a fantastic finish as he guided the ball past Shamal George who had kept the hosts at bay until that point.

Craig Gordon and Blair Spittal also had top games for Derek McInnes’ side, but it was Shankland who will get the headlines and rightly so.

If anyone is going to drag Hearts to the Scottish Premiership title this season, it is Shankland, and he showed why once again on Wednesday.

Beni Baningime foolish for terrible challenge vs St Mirren

Hearts fans would have been pleased when Baningime came back from his hamstring injury in late December.

However, against St Mirren, he arguably had one of his worst moments for the Jambos yet.

His challenge on Roland Idowu was stupid as he caught the St Mirren player halfway up his calf.

13′ | HMFC 0-0 SMFC

Beni Baningime has been shown a straight red card after a VAR review.

Hearts down to 10.— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) January 14, 2026

In many ways, it was flabbergasting that the decision had to go to VAR, with the challenge being one of the clear red cards you will see.

Yet, it was a needless one, and the midfielder is lucky that it did not come back to haunt Hearts.

Hearts player ratings in 1-0 win vs St Mirren

• Craig Gordon – 7
• Michael Steinwender – 7
• Craig Halkett – 7
• Stuart Findlay – 7
• Harry Milne – 8
• Blair Spittal – 8
• Cameron Devlin – 8
• Beni Baningime – 3
• Alexandros Kiziridis – 7
• Claudio Braga – 7
• Lawrence Shankland – 8

Substitutes:

• Jamie McCart (on for Spittal, 67’) – n/a
• Tomas Magnusson (on for Kiziridis, 67’) – 7
• Pierre Landry Kabore (on for Braga, 67’) – n/a
• Frankie Kent (on for Shankland, 74’) – n/a
• Jordi Altena (on for Devlin, 90+4′) – n/a

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