Ozturk: We can lay down marker

HEARTS captain Alim Ozturk insists the Jambos can announce themselves as future title challengers when they cross swords with the Premiership’s top two in the space of six hectic days.

The capital club travel to Celtic Park this afternoon seeking their first league win at the home of the champions since 2007.

Robbie Neilson then takes his side to Inverness on Tuesday evening before hosting Aberdeen – currently four points behind the Hoops – in front of the TV cameras next Friday.

A 3-0 defeat against St Johnstone has seen the Jambos’ slim chances of being part of the championship shake-up effectively ended, however they will have a major say in where they trophy goes come May.

But next season Ozturk intends to be part of the race for the title after hailing the progress of the club’s talented youngsters.

Asked whether wins over Celtic and the Dons would serve as a statement of intent ahead of next term, Ozturk said: “I think so. If you want to play for something – then these are the teams who are above us and playing for the title.

“If you want something special then you have to beat these teams, so we will do everything we can to prove we can do that.

“We have drawn twice with Celtic and lost in the League Cup, but I think we did really well. Against Aberdeen, we lost twice in the league but won in the Scottish Cup so we have something to prove.

“If you see the potential of our team, we had five guys away last week with the [Scotland] Under-21s. We have good talented players at this club. They are young but they have played a lot of games so they have experience.

“That makes us stronger and maybe with a couple of new guys it will be... an exciting season.”