Jason Thomson realises poring over Dons defeat is only way Hearts can cut out errors ahead of St Johnstone clash

• Jason Thomson

A regular feature of Hearts' campaign thus far has been miserly defending which saw only six goals conceded at Tynecastle prior to Wednesday's capitulation against Aberdeen.

It would be foolish to believe the back line has suddenly become porous because of one decisive loss, however, it is important bad habits are not allowed to form. The journey to Perth to face St Johnstone provides a chance to atone for Wednesday evening.

Hearts, and Laszlo in particular, are fiercely proud of their reputation as Scotland's meanest side.

Following St Johnstone is arguably the club's biggest match of the season in the Co-operative Cup semi-final against St Mirren, a night when optimum performance will be required from all in maroon. Pouring over the wrongdoings of Wednesday night is essential, therefore, if also rather tortuous for the players.

"I'm pretty sure the video analysis session will be a long one," said Jason Thomson. "It needs to be done to stop the mistakes.

"Whatever the manager has to say you need to listen to. He'll try to point out what we've done wrong.

"If you have something to say, you can voice your opinion on the game. It gives you the opportunity to learn from your mistakes so, from that point of view, video analysis is really useful.

"We need to improve, especially with the cup game coming up next week. We want to get to a cup final as well as improve in the league. We'll go to Perth aiming to win and get ourselves ready for the cup semi-final.

"There aren't too many positives we can take from Wednesday. After the we lost the first goal, we took the game to Aberdeen and created a few chances. We had a few chances in the second half as well but they were two or three up by then so it was always going to be difficult to get back into the match at that point. Everyone tried and sometimes games just don't go for you. I felt everything Aberdeen hit went in. They only had three shots on target and scored three out of three.

"One of the most positive things in recent weeks has been our defence," Thomson went on. "Of course, we aren't going to be happy losing three goals. Some of them just came from balls over the top, and Aberdeen's last goal was a stroke of luck because I think Marian Kello was expecting a header from someone but nobody touched the ball. There's nothing a keeper can do in that situation.

"The defence has been solid but, in the last couple of weeks, we've scored goals as well. If you're scoring goals at one end and defending well at the other you have a real chance. But we never defended well or scored goals on Wednesday so you aren't going to win the game."

Thomson is aware of some mitigating circumstances which contributed to the defeat. Losing four players to injury during one match, thus finishing with nine men, is hardly conducive to stability. The absences of Jose Goncalves and Andy Driver have denied Laszlo two first-team mainstays as well as possibly his most creative attacking weapon in the Englishman.

"It's certainly not an excuse with these players out because I believe we have the squad to do better," said Thomson. "Gordon Smith and Paul Robinson up front are only young boys, just out of the under-19s. I think they've done well overall. They work hard and they both put a shift in against Aberdeen.

"Hopefully, we will have Jose back in the team for Saturday. Driver is back training so he shouldn't be too far away. These are big players for us. Driver, for example, can win games for you on his own."

The lack of a genuinely potent and experienced forward has forced Laszlo to prioritise defensive work, helping generate the kind of resilience which served Hearts so well during the Christmas and New Year period. It has also benefited certain players individually, with Thomson one of several who feels more rounded with the benefit of Hungarian's expertise.

"First and foremost as a defender, you look to avoid losing goals. As a full-back, you need to get forward and provide crosses and other things, but the main thing is not to concede. The gaffer drums that into you," he explained. "It's all about keeping shape and holding your position. I think he's brought my game on in that sense. I was a decent enough defender before he came in but he's helped a lot with positional sense and getting midfielders to come back and help the full-backs.

"At the other end, one chance is all we need. I've lost count of the number of games we've won 1-0 this season and last season. That approach seems to work for us."

Thomson has come to expect the unexpected in the SPL this season and is mindful of the stunning Martin Hardie equaliser which cost Hearts victory on their last trip to McDiarmid Park in August.

"They got a last-minute goal against us up there last time but everyone in this league can beat one another. That is what's happening just now," he continued. "You saw the Hibs result against Celtic the other night, so the league is tight. We could go to Perth and win 3-0 tomorrow. What we go by is getting the defence right because if you don't lose goals, you don't lose games."

That mantra would have echoed around the Riccarton seminar room this afternoon as Csaba Laszlo seeks to restore Hearts' defensive discourtesy.