Robbie Neilson has labelled Hearts' clash at Aberdeen as 'massive' as they bid to increase their advantage in the race for third and European football.
All focus from the capital club is now on finishing best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers following their Scottish Cup exit by the Hoops. The Old Firm rivals now meet in the semi-final with Falkirk facing Inverness in the other last four tie. That guarantees one of the Glasgow pair in the final with the winner of the tie the heavy favourite to lift the trophy.
That would come as a boost in the race for Europe with a scenario that sees Celtic or Rangers lifting the Scottish Cup meaning that third in the Premiership will land the Europa League play-off berth and with that guaranteed group stage football next season with the cushion of the Europa Conference League group stages if eliminated from the second tier competition. That huge carrot is one of the reasons Neilson has told his troops they must finish third having experienced a similar scenario this season.
READ MORE: Four Hearts stars land Australia call-up for Ecuador 'Welcome Home' series after World Cup heroics
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Hibs - five points behind the Gorgie side - face Celtic at the weekend on the road and with that in mind and Hearts facing Aberdeen, they could go eight clear of Lee Johnson's men and 10 in front of the Reds if they can claim victory at Pittodrie.
Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News, Neilson said: “It's not over, 100 per cent. For us it's all about the league now and, to be honest, it's always been about the league.
"We need to make sure we finish third so it's a massive game at Pittodrie on Saturday. It's an opportunity to hopefully extend our lead in third as well so we need to get ready for that.”
“I will watch them and see what they do, if it's anything different. It's the same players obviously but hopefully we can go up there and get a result."
READ NEXT:
- Tynecastle handed elite UEFA status as Hearts prepare for European glitz and glamour ties
- Celtic 3 Hearts 1 as Jambos face Josh Ginnelly sweat, VAR plays major role - 3 things we learned
- Hearts 3 St Johnstone 0 as Josh Ginnelly brace helps keep grip on third - three things we learned
