Saints boss McInnes congratulates defender Graham Gartland after the 5-1 win

St Johnstone's superb display in their 5-1 league thumping of Hibernian has been on the cards, according to delighted manager Derek McInnes.

"I thought it was a terrific performance. I feel a result like that has been coming," he told BBC Scotland.

"I thought today we got a bit clinical in front of goal.

"We had a real drive about us right from the off. It's an important three points for us. The boys should take confidence from that result."

The Perth Saints never looked like losing the game at McDiarmid Park and dominated their opponents throughout, though their task was made easier by Colin Nish's second-half sending off.

Two goals apiece by Liam Craig and Cillian Sheridan, plus one by Kenny Deuchar, gave Saints a commanding victory.

"Tonight we won the individual battles that allowed us to get the performance," said McInnes.

"The two boys up top (Deuchar and Sheridan) worked really hard. They seemed to have a good understanding.

"I'm delighted for Cillian. He has been working away, trying to get fitness and he is showing more aggression. He can be proud of his performance tonight.

"If you give those Hibs players time, they will hurt you. The ball for their goal - I think it was Ian Murray or John Rankin, a 60-70 yard diagonal ball - shows you the quality they had."

There was, though, one piece of bad news on an otherwise thrilling night for St Johnstone. Deuchar was stretchered off late in the match and looks likely to be out for the next few weeks with an ankle ligament injury.

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