Steven Naismith admits Hearts having three home games is a big benefit as he looks to facing Celtic as an 'opportunity' for his side.
The Jambos are in a fight to land third spot behind the Hoops and Rangers with red-hot Aberdeen currently five points ahead on the league standings. They've won seven games on the spin in the league and officially handed Barry Robson the top job after a stunning stint in caretaker charge. They face a trip to Ibrox at the weekend as the top six begins.
Ange Postecoglou and his troops are heading for Tynecastle looking for a title party and Naismith knows his outfit face a 'tough game' but he is confident the capital club can go into every game with a threat with the huge win over Ross County a major confidence booster in their chase for European football.
Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Naismith told the Edinburgh Evening News: “It's a tough game but it's an opportunity. However the fixtures were laid out, you would still have tough moments and things you need to capitalise on.
"We have three home games and two away – that's a bonus for us and a big benefit. I believe we will go into every one of these games with a threat and being better defensively than what it's been this season.
"No matter what, that gives us a chance to go out and perform well.”
He added: “People will take confidence from what we did against Ross County, and that's in both boxes because we defended well.
“There were maybe two actions where they switch off, maybe the first contact is not right or somebody loses the man they are marking. In open play, we did not give up many chances at all so we have to build on that.”
READ NEXT:
- Hearts and Hibs split fixtures in full including final Edinburgh derby date in battle for Europe
- Peter Haring 'relaxed' over Hearts contract situation as he opens up on Tynecastle future
- Hearts to face St Johnstone at Tynecastle in bounce game as Steven Naismith details training plan
- Lawrence Shankland scoops Hearts awards as Zander Clark recognised at Player of the Year bash
- Steven Naismith praises Hearts' bravery as Jambos bounce back from derby day misery vs Ross County
