McINTYRE NOT SWAYED BY THE LURE OF TACKLING TWO FALLEN GIANTS

HEARTS’ survival was met with relief throughout Scottish football — especially by those clubs who will fight it out in the Championship next season. The make-up of Scotland’s second tier has been the topic of debate ever since Rangers continued their long ‘journey’ back to the top by winning the League One title. It’s going to be quite a contest as the Tynecastle club pit their wits against their Ibrox rivals — with many suggesting there are clubs desperate to forego their promotion ambitions just to mix it with two fallen giants. Such a notion, however, does not cut any ice with Queen of the South boss Jim McIntyre, whose side are in contention for a play-off place. Miss out on a chance to jump into the top flight? Forget it he says. ‘I think it’s ridiculous to suggest we wouldn’t want to get promoted to the top flight,’ insisted McIntyre (right). ‘A lot of people have already asked me if I’d rather stay in the Championship next season. ‘But we’re all in football for one thing and that’s to be as successful as we can be. ‘Finishing fifth or sixth doesn’t look good on your CV compared with winning the play-offs and going up to the Premier League. ‘I think it’s completely ridiculous when people come out with stuff like that. ‘Yes, the Championship will be a fantastic league next year but is it going to be as good as the Premier League? No chance.’ Dundee hold all the aces for the automatic promotion place, while Hamilton and Falkirk follow in their slipstream. At the bottom, Morton have been relegated and will be hugely frustrated at missing next season’s unique Championship extravaganza. For those fighting to remain, the rewards for staying in the second tier have never been greater — and certainly will provide food for thought in many a boardroom.