Robbie Neilson admits it was an 'honour' to be Hearts manager as he broke his silence over his sacking with a classy statement.
The Jambos boss was axed on Sunday after a horror run of results that also allowed Aberdeen to leapfrog the Tynecastle side into third spot in the race to be best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers. That league position could once again deliver guaranteed European group stage football and the riches that come alongside that prize. The capital club enjoyed a European adventure this season and have decided to go with Steven Naismith in an interim role until the summer as they bid to grab third once again.
A Scottish Cup win from either Old Firm side would mean that the European place that comes with lifting the famous old trophy would go to the Premiership team finishing behind the Glasgow duo in the league standings. That is a Europa League play-off spot with the guarantee of a parachute into the Europa Conference League group stages.
