Robbie Neilson says third place has to be the aim for Hearts this season as they look to get back to Europe.
The Jambos went down swinging in their final Europa Conference League Group A game in Turkey, losing 3-1, but finishing their section in third and six points. It's been a bruising run for Neilson's men who have had injury after injury to deal with but they now get to turn their attentions to reclaiming the Premiership's third spot.
That has to be the aim for Hearts according to Neilson so that their European group stage foray isn't just a one-off. He said: "It’s our job now to get back into European football and hopefully improve on our results next season. It has been massive for the club and massive for the fans as well, they have had four great away trips to enjoy, we have had thousands of fans travel Europe and have a fantastic time. I think we’ll look at the positives, to be honest with you.
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"Look, we have managed to get group stage football for the first time in 16 years. We have competed, we have picked up six points which is fantastic for us. We have gone away to Fiorentina and Istanbul and scored goals.
"Yes, there’s a lot of learning within that, you can’t switch off at any second at this level. For us it’s about trying to get back here and improve on our performances and result and points tally and get back here.
"That’s the first thing we spoke about in the dressing room after the game. Can we get group stage football next year and use everything we have learned from this Conference League campaign?"
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