Beni Baningime admits swapping trebles for singles doesn’t cut it if Hearts are to check out of trouble and arrow in on the top half.

The Jambos had the chance to make it three wins on the spin on Sunday but Jorge Grant saw his stoppage-time spot-kick saved by Aberdeen’s Ross Doohan. Neil Critchley’s side remain second bottom of the table and yet are just five points behind Hibs in the last of the top-six slots after going four unbeaten.

Baningime said: “We shouldn’t be in the position we are in but we are. For a strange reason we are and we obviously take responsibility for that.

READ MORE: Barry Douglas delivers brutal St Johnstone truth as he warns them 'livelihoods are at stake'

READ MORE: Islam Chesnokov in Hearts transfer talks as Neil Critchley ramps up January recruitment drive

“We need to be turning the draws into wins, especially at the weekend when you have an opportunity like that to score in the last minute. But it’s happened. Hopefully we will turn it around and continue to turn the draws into wins to get up the table.

“I don’t believe, with the ability and talent we have in the changing room, that we should be where we are. But ultimately, that doesn’t mean anything. It’s application – applying yourself in the right way and obviously your ability will finally show.”

Grant was the Pittodrie sinner again after being sent off away to the Dons in October’s 3-2 defeat. This time, though, Hearts did not return home pointless and Baningime is adamant no one in the away dressing room was blaming him. And he insists Grant would have their full backing if and when another penalty presents itself.

The former Everton youngster said: “It’s just unfortunate it didn’t go in. I thought the keeper made a great save, that’s it really. You’re a better man than me because I wouldn’t have stepped up... nah, I’m joking!

“When a player goes up there, like Shanks (Lawrence Shankland) does it, Granty does it, it’s a huge responsibility. A player missing, it happens, it’s football. I made a bad pass. Ultimately, the bravery of him going up there, it’s great. We want him to go up there again.”

The sole positive for Hearts is they have tightened up defensively, with Sunday their third clean sheet in a row. Baningime added: “You should stop conceding goals, obviously get your chances and take your chances. We had a few chances. There’s a lot of good stuff. We aim to improve and continue to get better.”

It has been a disappointing season for club and player, neither of whom have hit the heights as injury and illness have curtailed the Congolese. Baningime is looking to make up for lost time in the second half of the season, starting with Friday’s Scottish Cup fourth-round clash at Brechin.

He said: “In the last game I was ill. It’s just been a strange season for me. It seems like I’m catching everything. Hopefully from now on it’s smooth sailing, I’m fit and not ill. I want to be playing games as much as possible, whenever the gaffer calls for me.”

It is now likely to be a time of change at Tynecastle, with Elton Kabangu and Jamie McCart already in. Liam Boyce off to Derry City and Kye Rowles expected to move to DC United in the coming days. Baningime said: “Boycie has already gone. That’s my boy, that’s family, to be fair. More than just what goes on on the football pitch, he will be a great miss.

“If Kye is leaving, then I wish him all the best. If he is leaving, he’s going to be a miss because what a great player he is, an international player. It’s a pleasure knowing him and I know we’ll stay in contact if he is leaving.”