St Johnstone boss Craig Levein labelled Heart of Midlothian as "by far" the third-best team in Scotland.

Hearts won a tight affair at McDiarmid Park 1-0 thanks to a goal from Lawrence Shankland.

READ MORE: The Hearts juggernaut continues: Shankland half-century and points target

The former Tynecastle Park player and manager said:  “I was really pleased with our performance, we matched Hearts in every department. They are by far the third-best team in the country but I was pleased to see us play some good football. 

“I thought we had possession for long periods and that pleased me. The fact we lost 1-0 to a good Hearts side, with Lawrence Shankland scoring a goal that I don’t think anyone else on the field would have a chance of scoring, the way we played pleases me. 

“I thought we were in it for long periods and our goalkeeper had very little to do."

Former Scotland boss Levein also backed Shankland to be in Steve Clarke's Scotland for Euro 2024 in Germany. 

“I don’t think anyone would say he doesn’t, his record speaks for itself," he said when asked if he deserved to be there. “In a lot of games this season he’s been the difference for Hearts. I’m a big admirer.”