Robert Snodgrass insists the next goal for Hearts is trying to break the dominance of Celtic and Rangers.
The former Scotland favourite is thrilled with the way the season is going after the Jambos cemented third place in the Premiership and took a step closer to Scottish Cup glory in the space of just four days.
Last Wednesday’s remarkable 5-0 hammering of Aberdeen, followed by Sunday’s stunning 3-0 Edinburgh derby victory over Hibernian, left few in any doubt the Tynecastle side are currently Scotland’s third force.
After finishing in that spot last year to qualify for group stage European football, Robbie Neilson’s side are desperate for more success this term.
And Snodgrass is convinced the Gorgie men must aim high and target Celtic and Rangers’ dominance.
He said: “Hearts are a massive club, of course, there’s no question about it.
“They’re a big club but the next bit we’re trying to get to is to break into that top two.
“It’s how do we do that? How do we get there? What things do we put in place that filters all the way down to the youths?
“Because once you go, you can’t stop, because you want to become one of the biggest names.
“I know it takes a bit of time, but it’s how you can do that and it’s about using my experience to work with the lads and try to help them to see how we can get things in place.
“I’m enjoying things a lot. The staff have been superb with me, everyone at the club, the fans have been great and shown me a lot of appreciation and a lot of support, which is always good.
“They’ve done that with a lot of the squad. They just want you to go out there and give your all, and play smart and play clever, and try to take your chances when you can and give them something to cheer about.”
Snodgrass joined Hearts in September on a one-year deal and has become a pivotal figure in Neilson’s side, prompting talk of negotiations over a new contract.
The ex-Leeds United, Norwich City, Hull City and West Ham midfielder has added experience and composure to the Jambos’ midfield and has rolled back the years with 15 consecutive starts domestically.
His form has attracted the attention of opposition managers but, after being closely marked by Hibs’ Josh Campbell last weekend, Snodgrass is adamant he can handle the scrutiny.
The former Livingston player added to BBC Scotland: “No disrespect but, over the last two and a bit months, I’ve been seeing a lot of that, where they put men on you to try to stop you from trying to play, from dictating the tempo.
“But you need to mix it up and show others that you can battle as well - win headers, slide tackles, all those different things.
“I’ll do whatever I can for my team-mates and the club.”
