The 23-year-old Portuguese has been criticised after a series of blunders.

And Stendel admits he is considering a change for Saturday's potentially crucial home game against Hamilton Academical.

The German says it is vital that his bottom-placed side take points from forthcoming games against second-bottom Accies and third-bottom St Mirren.

Zdenek Zlamal, who has one cap for Czech Republic, and Republic of Ireland international Colin Doyle are the possible replacements for Pereira.

And Stendel said: "We [have] decided who will be in goal but haven't spoken to the goalkeepers and I would like to talk to them first.

"We [consider] what's best [for the team] for every position. You need to look to what's happening in training, what's been happening in the games. We do that for every position, not just goalkeeper.

"But I'd like to speak to the player about what we've decided and need every player on the pitch to trust [the coaching staff] in what we ask of them."

Hearts remain a point behind Saturday's visitors, Hamilton, after the Edinburgh side's 5-0 thumping away to leaders Celtic.

"We're looking forward only to this game," said Stendel. "It will be a much different game and we're playing at home at Tynecastle.

"We're showing a good attitude all the time and we need to show the right desire on the pitch.

"I know that we'll get really good support and I understand how important the game is."