Craig Levein says Hearts have the BEST squad out of the teams challenging for third spot and says he expects a 'really strong' finish from the capital club.
The Jambos finished best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers last term and with that secured a crack at European group stage football. Following their elimination from the Europa League play-off round they played six matches in the Europa Conference League, picking up two wins over RFS to finish third in the section. It's been a hectic Thursday/Sunday schedule for the depleted Gorgie side with injuries really hitting them hard.
They rounded off the first half of the season with a last-gasp home draw with Livingston to put them fifth in the Premiership going into the break. They only sit four points behind Aberdeen in third and are right in the mix as they aim for back-to-back third spots.
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Asked if he can see his old club Hearts claiming third position in the table, He told BBC Sportsound: "I definitely do. I just think Hearts have had a whole load of injuries to really important players and if they get those players back Hearts have without doubt got the best squad outside the Old Firm and that's what will take them to third."
Neilson made it clear in the build-up to the World Cup break his aim was for Hearts to be in contention to land third spot, an assessment that Levein says is justified. He added: "I think that's pretty fair, it's a pretty clear statement. And he'll know where he is with regards to the players who are coming back from injury.
"There must be a few getting to the stage where they're ready to come into the team.
"I think he's done a brilliant job keeping Hearts in contention with all the injuries they've had and the European games.
"I expect a really strong finish from Hearts and if you looked at the squads of all the teams that are in contention for third place, Hearts have got the best."
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