Hearts boss urges team to keep foot on the gas

STEVEN Naismith has challenged Hearts to maintain their “drive” and reach the 70-point mark in the top flight for the first time in 18 years.

The Jambos boss would love to see his side wrap up third place in the Premiership and European group-stage football for next season by winning away to fourthplaced Kilmarnock today.

But he is adamant that even if they secure their main objective, the players – who have 62 points with five games to play – should not take their foot off the gas.

“I wouldn’t say it makes a big difference because I think the drive within us is always going to be to get better,” said Naismith.

“Getting third confirmed isn’t automatically going to make us change everything we’re doing. It might give us a bit scope to see where boys’ injuries are.

“But what it does is bring a really nice enjoyment to the last month of the season.

“I think there’s a good opportunity to get more than 70 points and I think that’s realistic to push on and try to do that.”

Hearts head to Ayrshire 11 points clear of Killie, who in turn are eight ahead of St Mirren in their quest to secure fourth place, and Naismith is eyeing a third Rugby Park victory this term.

“Not much is going to change on the back of whatever the result is,” added Naismith.

“What we can sign off with is brilliant. It’s been the aim since the start of the season. It’s a big opportunity for us to do that. We will take confidence from our performances down there this season, which have been really good.

“It’s two teams playing with confidence through having a good season, so it’s an exciting game.”