CALEM NIEUWENHOF spent 11 agonizing months injured on the sidelines watching Hearts' fortunes ebb and flow.

Last night the man known as The Hoff took just TWO MINUTES to save the Jambos' Scottish Cup hopes from being sunk on his return.

The Socceroo climbed off the bench as a last throw of the dice from Neil Critchley on 83 minutes with his side heading out against a pumped-up St Mirren.

Incredibly with only this second touch Nieuwenhof scrambled home James Wilson's cutback to level Mika Mandron's opener and force extra time and penalties.

After that it was left to Craig Gordon to produce the heroics as he saved to spot kicks to tee-up James Penrice to slam home the winning spot-kick and send the Jambos into the last eight.

Hearts arrived at the stadium backed by a sold out away end and on the back of a goal-rush that's seen them net 13 in their last three games.

Unbeaten in seven ahead of kick-off Critchley also had January's manager of the month gong to show for the upturn in fortunes in Gorgie.

By contrast St Mirren had lost their last three at home. Looking for a reaction, Stephen Robinson handed a debut to deadline-day signing Ryan Alebsiosu wide on the right. And the Buddies were first to threaten when Zach Hemming's long punt was missed by Jamie McCart allowing top scorer Toyosi Olusanya to nip in behind. The rapid frontman lifted the ball over Gordon but also cleared the bar.