Hearts' hopes of finishing third are OVER despite a last gasp draw at Ibrox coupled up with an Aberdeen win.
The Jambos made the perfect start with Lawrence Shankand on the scoresheet after just one minute following a VAR review. It was a dream beginning for Steven Naismith and the travelling support as they took the game to the Light Blues in the early stages. Zander Clark was called upon to make a number of fine saves but was unable to deny Todd Cantwell after a tidy finish.
That goal right on half-time came as a major blow and just moments into the second period an error from Toby Sibbick was punished by Fashion Sakala to turn the game on its head but Garang Kuol netted with the final kick of the game to share the spoils. Hibs' victory over Celtic means a huge Edinburgh derby awaits this weekend with just two points separating the duo in the table. Fourth spot is guaranteed a crack at Europa Conference League qualifiers while fifth is likely to join with the Hoops overwhelming favourites to lift the Scottish Cup. Hearts just need to avoid defeat to finish top dogs in the capital in an exciting final day showdown in Gorgie.
READ MORE: Josh Ginnelly on Hearts future as he provides detailed insight into factors he must consider
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Over and out
Hearts' battle to finish best of the rest is OVER.
Garang Kuol grabbed a last gasp leveller at Ibrox but that point coupled up with Aberdeen's dominant win over St Mirren and victory for Hibs over Celtic means a huge Edinburgh derby will determine who finishes fourth and fifth.
The likelyhood is both spots will land Europa Conference League football in the qualifying stages with a Hoops Scottish Cup win meaning guaranteed group stage football at minimum for the Dons and the tricky route for the capital pair.
But they both will be out to grab fourth to make sure the passports are out without any favours and waiting required.
Moment to forget
Toby Sibbick had a moment he won't want to relive as Hearts lost out at Ibrox.
A simple ball over the top from Todd Cantwell was made a meal of and it ended in a goal for the hosts.
The defender tried to nod the ball back to Zander Clark when he could have just left it to run through.
Sakala reacted and fired beyond Clark despite James Hill's best efforts to keep it out.
Goal machine
Lawrence Shankland grabbed his 28th goal of the season for Hearts at Ibrox.
The Jambos made a big play to bring him on board this summer and it has proved more than worthwhile.
The stand-in skipper had the ball in the net after just one minute and following a VAR review the goal stood.
Incredible return for the Tynecastle man this campaign.
READ NEXT:
- Hearts 'considering' Celtic coach John Kennedy as next permanent boss
- Cammy Devlin outlines four key Hearts areas of his game to improve after Steven Naismith talks
- Kevin Nisbet admits Premiership clash with Celtic could be his last game at Easter Road
- Dylan McGeouch in Forest Green Rovers 'exit' as former Hibs and Celtic star 'weighs up new offers'
- Harry Stone handed new Hearts deal as Joe Savage talks Craig Gordon path to success