Chris Kane couldn’t have asked for a better finish to the last league season.
The young forward scored his first Saints goal at Aberdeen to effectively clinch a place in the Europa League for the Perth club.
And now the St Johnstone striker is hoping to start the next campaign on another high by finding the net against Hearts and helping his team to three points.
“It would be good to get an early goal this season to get me kick-started again,” Kane said.
“The Aberdeen goal is definitely the highlight of my career so far scoring the goal that got us into Europe.
“It was probably my best one as well. They’re usually tap-ins and six-yarders but that one wasn’t too bad.
“It was a monkey off my back.
“A lot of people have said to me since that they knew I was going to score in that game. I’m just thankful that I got it.
“Every goal you get gives you more confidence.
“Hopefully I can get an early one at the start of the season and keep going from there.”
There has never been any suggestion of Kane going back out on loan, as was the case last year.
He’s now an established part of the first team squad at McDiarmid Park and an important part of manager Tommy Wright’s plans.
Securing a regular start is the next career target.
“This will be a big season,” Kane admitted.
“I’m hoping to get a few more starts and a few more goals.
“Graham (Cummins) has come in over the summer and he did really well after getting a start against Blackpool. I’ve been impressed by him.
“It’s down to me to do my best in training and try and win a place in the team.
“I’m still young and I’ve still got a lot to learn. It’s good for me to pick things up off the likes of Macca (Steven MacLean) and John Sutton and hopefully get a regular place in the team.”
Kane grew up a Hibs fan, and this week he posted a picture of himself on social media in a signed shirt as a youngster. Together with ex-Easter Road players Liam Craig and David Wotherspoon, that should ensure a warm Tynecastle welcome for him tomorrow.
“It was signed by Derek Riordan,” he explained.
“The mum of a boy I went to primary school with got her hair cut by Derek Riordan’s girlfriend. That was how I got the signature on the top.
“I couldn’t tell you how old I was. I must have been about 10.
“My whole family were kind of Hibees.”
Along with Craig, Kane is the only Saints player to have faced Hearts last season.
“I played against them twice for Dumbarton,” he recalled.
“I was injured for the matches at Tynecastle but I scored a late goal when they beat us 5-1 at Dumbarton’s ground.
“They were a good team. They passed it well and I know a few of their young players.
“Callum Paterson played for Tynecastle when I was playing for Bonnyrigg Rose. So I know him from boys’ clubs days.
“I played against him for the under-19s as well. He’s bulked up a lot since those days though.
“It will be good if we’re up against each other on Sunday.
“Sam Nicholson is another one of their players I know well.”