Jim Goodwin reckons Hearts are 'force to be reckoned with'
The Buddies take on Robbie Neilson's side this weekend
St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin thinks nobody will be underestimating Hearts on their return to the Premiership.
The Jambos beat Celtic 2-1 on Saturday in their first top flight match since being controversially relegated when the league season was curtailed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Their final game of that season was a 1-0 defeat to St Mirren with Jon Obika's goal sending them into the Championship.
Robbie Neilson's side travel to Paisley this weekend and Buddies boss Goodwin says it's great to see them back.
He said: "I am absolutely delighted that Hearts are back in the league.
"There is no doubt that they are a well-run club.
"Everyone knows the circumstances which surrounded their relegation a couple of seasons ago.
"It wasn't ideal for anybody, I don't think it sat well with anybody in the game, unfortunately it was a difficult decision that had to be made at the time.
"But I am pleased that Robbie was able to get the job done last season.
"They won the league comfortably which I don't think was a great surprise to anybody when you saw the strength in depth they had available and they are definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with this season. There is no doubt in my mind.
"You go right through their team and they have some great experience, Craig Gordon is still one of the best goalkeepers in the country.
"Big (John) Souttar, if they can keep him fit, he looked back to his best the other night, Liam Boyce through the middle of the pitch, (Gary) Mackay-Steven playing at the top level, Andy Halliday there in the middle of the park.
"So they are undoubtedly a Premiership club and deserve to be back in the big league and we are pleased to have them back there but would certainly like to upset a few of them at the weekend.''