Last updated on .From the section Scottish Cup

Chris Kane scored his first St Johnstone goals since May

Chris Kane scored a hat-trick as St Johnstone beat Albion Rovers to set up a Scottish Cup fifth-round trip to face Premiership rivals Hearts.

Kane, who recently returned from a loan spell at Queen of the South, volleyed Saints ahead early on.

Teenager Kyle McClean notched his first St Johnstone goal when he connected with Kane's cross after the break.

Kane latched on to Liam Craig's chip to head home his second and soon struck to complete his first Saints treble.

Weather had caused the tie at Cliftonhill to be postponed twice but it survived a Monday afternoon pitch inspection to go ahead at the third time of asking.

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright had promised changes following Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to Partick Thistle.

Kane was one of the eight players brought into the starting line-up, having come off the bench at the weekend, and the 23-year-old forward netted his first Saints goal of the season to add to the five he got at Queens earlier in the campaign.

Northern Irishman McClean (right) celebrates his maiden Saints goal

Joe Shaughnessy's throw-in was helped on by a team-mate's head for Kane to meet it sweetly and fire past on-loan Rangers goalkeeper Kieran Fisher.

That goal may have dampened League One Albion Rovers' enthusiasm but they got a foothold in the game with Connor Shields in-particular causing the visitors problems.

Ross Davidson tested Saints keeper Alan Mannus from distance and Kane had another effort wide before the break.

Saints came out for the second half refocused and soon doubled their advantage.

Kane turned provider with a cross and McClean - making his first start - struck from close range.

The more experienced Liam Craig had a hand in the third goal, lifting the ball on to the diving head of Kane.

And Kane's confidence was further bolstered with a solid strike for Saints' fourth as they completed a professional performance.

Post-match reaction

Albion Rovers manager Brian Kerr: "It's a poor start, you don't want that in any game never mind a Scottish Cup tie against a Premier League side.

"We rally very well, see out the first half and start having a decent wee bit of pressure on them, without creating any real clear cut chances.

"We lose another bad goal, probably should deal with it better. Disappointing that one.

"The boys that were in there gave us a great shift, great work ethic. Poor defending's cost us."

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright: "We had to come here with the right attitude and be professional and the start of the game was exactly what we wanted.

"It was a difficult pitch and I thought we played the conditions well. Second half, we did try and play a little bit more.

"Really pleased with the result and the scoreline and the performance overall. Pleased for some of the younger players that came in.

"[Chris Kane showed] great technique for the first one and he's in the right position for the header."