Hyped-up Hearts boss Robbie Neilson is challenging his injury-ravaged side to oust Hibs and reclaim third place in the Premiership before the World Cup break.
The Tynecastle manager set out the target after first half goals from Lawrence Shankland and Andy Halliday secured a 2-1 triumph away to Ross County and lifted his team back into the top six. Hearts sit three points behind their great rivals with a game in hand after Sunday’s Dingwall exploits.
They now face a quality side in Basaksehir away on Thursday with nothing left but pride to fight for in the European Conference League. Then Hearts face Motherwell at home, Rangers away and Livingston at home before the winter break. Neilson, who has 10 or so players sidelined currently, said: “Third is where we want to be and we have another game next week. Depending on what happens at Pittodrie on Friday night we could potentially have the chance to move back into third.
“We have these games to play, so we will see. Today we were two games behind but the league is still too tight so if you win three games on the bounce you can move into third. With all these games and injuries it is about getting to the World Cup break in the best place possible.
“Then I would expect us to kick on. Aberdeen and Hibs are good teams this year – good teams, good managers. But our objective is to get third place in the league. We want European football and if we want that then we have to balance that with playing in Europe on a Thursday night.”
Turks Basaksehir proved their quality in the first leg, winning 4-0 at Tynecastle. Neilson said: “They’re a tough team to play against and that is why we have to go full strength. If we don’t then we are in trouble.
“We will see who is available and put the strongest team out. There is no pressure on us, it is just a case of can we go out there and take the ball, pass the ball and work hard to stay tight defensively. We need to try to go and enjoy the game.”
