Neilson says Scottish clubs no longer fear the Old Firm

Hearts captain Robbie Neilson says missing out on a European place this season would represent a failure for the Edinburgh club.

The Tynecastle outfit are currently third in the Scottish Premier League, seven points ahead of Aberdeen.

"Third place is the minimum we should be finishing, if we don't hold on to it, it's been a failure," said Neilson.

"It's a big appeal for getting boys into the club, if they come to Scotland they get a chance to play in Europe."

Celtic travel to Tynecastle on Saturday for the penultimate match before the SPL split and the 29-year-old right-back says Scottish clubs no longer fear taking on the Old Firm.

"In the past, we would get turned over, but now we're confident of going there and picking up points and getting a win," said Neilson.

Third place is the minimum we should be finishing, if we don't hold on to it, it's been a failure Robbie Neilson

"Especially when they come to your home ground - when they come to Tynecastle we know we can win there.

"We've won a lot in the past, so there's no fear at all.

"In fact, you look forward to it because it's a big game and it's a fantastic game to be involved in."

Meanwhile, Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo has urged his side not to get carried away by their success this season and to concentrate on the games ahead.

The former Uganda coach has stressed to his players they must maintain their form in order to claim third spot and the Europa League qualification that goes with it.

After last weekend's 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, Laszlo hopes his side can build on the momentum and increase the gap over Aberdeen.

"We must focus," said Laszlo.

"The next target is to collect points for the Europa League in the third or fourth position. We maybe have the advantage but there is seven games to go.

The next target is to collect points for the Europa League in the third or fourth position. We maybe have the advantage but there is seven games to go. Csaba Laszlo

"The best six was my first target and we now look to do more.

"It was definitely a good result against Kilmarnock, I've always been impressed with them from the beginning of the season, but they have lost some games and are now fighting to survive.

"It was very important to win the game and we had a little bit of luck at times.

"But Celtic have class and quality and we must close down their space."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version