'The fans have got a reason to shout' - Penrice

James Penrice is urging Hearts to put in big performances in their upcoming games against St Johnstone and Hibs to get fans back onside.

Neil Critchley's side crashed out of the Conference League on Thursday night following a 2-2 draw with Petrocub.

The Tynecastle club welcome St Johnstone on Sunday as they look to climb off the bottom of the table.

"Every game now is massive," the left-back said.

"The position we put ourselves in in the first half of the season has not been good enough. All we can do is correct the wrongs and put two big performances in at home. That's what we're looking to do."

"The performance have been good, it's just that final bit. On Thursday, I think we weren't really there in the first half. That final ball. Then we get ourselves back into the game but ultimately, the penalty is what's cost us and we don't go through."

"We were in a strong position to qualify and go through to the play-off and we've not done that, so they're entitled to feel angry.

"The fans have got a reason to shout. They want the club to do so well. They put their money into the club and they expect performances.

"They're not going to be happy. We're not happy. It's just the way football is."