Source: Team_Talk
Draw won't be enough for Jambos boss
Jim Jefferies has ordered Hearts to deliver more than the point that would secure them a place in the SPL's top six when they face Kilmarnock.[LNB] The Jambos need only avoid defeat at Tynecastle on Saturday to ensure their final five games of the season will be played against teams in the top half of the table.[LNB]But Jefferies is demanding his side deliver the victory that would cut the gap to Motherwell to four points and set up a fascinating battle for what could be the division's final European spot.[LNB]Should Celtic and Dundee United win their respective Scottish Cup semi-finals this weekend, the side which finishes fifth in the SPL would enter next season's Europa League qualifiers.[LNB]Jefferies explained he had two reasons for wanting a win on Saturday.[LNB]"One is to get in the top six," he said.[LNB]"And the other: Motherwell don't play until Tuesday so we could close the gap.[LNB]"If we do that, we've got them to play."[LNB]He added: "We should be looking at the team above us.[LNB]"The gap will be something like four points, and they've got to play Celtic at Parkhead on Tuesday.[LNB]"So that gives you a realistic chance of catching them."[LNB]With Hearts three points clear of St Johnstone, who do not play until Sunday, Jefferies accepts a top-six spot is his side's to throw away.[LNB]And he also admitted a club of their size should not be leaving it to the final game before the split to be securing their top-half status.[LNB]"Hearts have got to be better than that," he said.[LNB]"They're a big club, they should be challenging up there, like Hibs early on, challenging the Old Firm.[LNB]"We should be up there in that area.[LNB]"I'll be making them aware of that but I think that's taken for granted that's where we should be."[LNB]Jefferies cited the club's "horrendous injury list" as a major factor in their up-and-down season, revealing Gary Glen was the latest doubt for Saturday's game with a groin strain.[LNB]Ismael Bouzid (hamstring) and Calum Elliot (knee) could both return against Jefferies' former club.[LNB]The Hearts boss vowed to investigate the circumstances that have led to so many injuries at the end of the season.[LNB]"It's been excessive this year and we need to find out why," said Jefferies, who also acknowledged the need to solve the club's goalscoring problem.[LNB]"There's no doubt we've not scored enough goals this year," he said of an issue that drove predecessor Csaba Laszlo to distraction.[LNB]"We've been having more people in the box and creating more chances, but you've still got to stick them away.[LNB]"Everybody knows that at our club, the owners and staff."[LNB]Majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov repeatedly vetoed Laszlo's attempts to sign a striker but his successor was optimistic he would have more success in that department.[LNB]"Because of the experience I've got, maybe that's one of the reasons that I got the job," said Jefferies, who claimed he would even welcome recommendations from his paymasters.[LNB]"As long as I see them," he said, adding he expects director Sergejus Fedotovas to present him with one or two options.[LNB]"If we get the recommendations and they've got a good track record, there's nothing wrong with that."[LNB]
