Skipper Lawrence Shankland believes Hearts can recover in the battle for Europe having already staged one huge comeback in a see-saw season.
The Tynecastle side are five points adrift of third-placed Aberdeen as they look to nab a spot in the qualifiers for the Europa League and, if Celtic win the Scottish Cup, seal continental football until Christmas at least. Interim boss Steven Naismith says the next two games against St Mirren and the Dons will define the campaign.
Shankland insists past experience tells him the goal is still achievable as he admits losing out would feel like a chance missed. “Probably, aye, because of the situation we were in,” said the Scotland striker. But Shankland then added: “What I will say is that before the World Cup we were eight points behind. It has been kind of up and down. When we have finished all the fixtures, if we have not finished third, then we have not been good enough for the full season.
