Source: Team_Talk
Jambos boss targets top-six spot
Jim Jefferies admits losing out on a top-six spot in the Scottish Premier League this season would mean failure for Hearts.[LNB] The Jambos are two points ahead of seventh-placed St Johnstone, who face Dundee United and Aberdeen in their last two games before the split, while Hearts take on struggling St Mirren and Kilmarnock.[LNB]Jefferies, who only arrived at Tynecastle for his second spell as boss following the departure of Csaba Laszlo in January, accepts that fans should expect a top-half finish.[LNB]Looking forward to the game against the Buddies on Saturday, he said: "It was a case of coming in and trying to get into the top six and assess the players for next season.[LNB]"I thought we would have secured the top-six spot weeks ago but we had to chop and change, although that's something we have to contend with.[LNB]"Hearts set out at the start of the season with a target of being in a certain place and if they don't make it then of course they have failed.[LNB]"So it's up to the players. It is in their own hands and they have to show what it is to be at a club like Hearts.[LNB]"Top six means a lot to the club; bigger gates, another derby against Hibs and games against Rangers and Celtic.[LNB]"But for our own personal pride Hearts should be in the top six.[LNB]"They have to take that on board but I think the team is strong enough to get the two results.[LNB]"As I said, it is in our hands and that is the most important thing for us.[LNB]"If we win our two games St Johnstone can do nothing about it.[LNB]"But we need to realise the situation, step up to the plate and make sure.[LNB]"However, it won't be easy because there are never any easy games, especially against teams who will be fighting to avoid relegation.[LNB]"St Mirren and Kilmarnock both need the points desperately and there is pressure on them, they have their own agendas.[LNB]"St Johnstone, though, are fighting against a team battling for third place and Aberdeen need wins for their own cause.[LNB]"But we have to just look after ourselves, that is the main thing."[LNB]Finishing in fifth place offers the possibility of European football next season but Jefferies refused to look that far ahead.[LNB]"Let's just concentrate on the two games," the former Kilmarnock boss said. "There is no point in talking about Europe if you don't make it.[LNB]"If we get into the top six then we will look and see the next place up and the one above that.[LNB]"But that's all hypothetical. We are not in the top six yet and we could lose out."
