McInnes looks on from the stand at Tynecastle

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes was delighted with the response and spirit of his side following the 1-1 draw with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Sam Parkin's debut goal for the Perth side cancelled out Calum Elliot's opener, with both goals coming just before the half-time interval.

And Saints had Steven Anderson sent off for a foul on Suso.

"A few boys stood up to be counted and helped get us over the line and get the point," McInnes told BBC Scotland.

"I was disappointed to lose the goal because we had restricted Hearts to very little.

"To bounce back so quickly epitomised what we were last year. We were delighted to go in at half-time on level terms.

"I was pleased with the spirit, I was pleased with the fitness. Obviously when we went down to 10 men, it changed the game totally for us and even then I think we restricted them to not too many opportunities.

"He just lunged in, it was really stupid. We spoke about trying to keep a discipline and playing with our heads, playing sensibly and we're really disappointed with that one."

We have cut the numbers but we've added a bit of quality and I'm thankful to the board for allowing me to bring in the people we've brought in St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes

Parkin was partnered up front by another new boy, Marcus Haber.

McInnes added: "I think Marcus's rawness is probably a real asset for him.

"He's played a lot of his football playing as a lone striker. Obviously we try and play with two strikers as much as we can.

"He worked hard and I thought Sam Parkin occupied their centre-halves very well.

"They can be pleased with their work. We're still looking to improve all the time but for the first day, the first time really playing together, they did well."

Danny Grainger had to be withdrawn after colliding with the post, putting further restrictions on McInnes's defensive options.

"First prognosis would be that he's damaged possibly his lateral ligament on the outside of his knee," said the Perth Saints manager.

"We're just hoping that the swelling is a bit more superficial than the actual injury. We'll probably have a better idea in the next 48 hours.

"We've got MacKay playing with an injection today and credit to him for battling through it. We've now got Steven Anderson suspended and Danny Grainger's obviously going to be out so it puts a real strain on the squad.

"We have cut the numbers but we've added a bit of quality and I'm thankful to the board for allowing me to bring in the people we've brought in.

"But with the amount of injuries we've got in one position, we are going to be up against it.

"We'll look forward to the Aberdeen game now on the back of a positive result for us in difficult circumstances."

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