Jefferies looking to next season

06 May 2010 08:30
Jim Jefferies is looking to next season after Hearts' hopes of qualifying for Europe effectively ended after a 0-0 draw against Dundee United.[LNB] With three points and a massive 11 goals to make up on fifth-placed Hibs, Jefferies has thrown in the towel on their bid to secure Europa League football.[LNB]After a lethargic first-half performance where chances were hard to come by at both ends, the game opened up after the break as Hearts and Untied chased an elusive winner.[LNB]Hearts midfielder David Templeton went close with a stinging drive that was palmed behind by Steve Banks while United were dangerous in the air but rarely tested Jamie MacDonald.[LNB]Hearts host Celtic in their final SPL game of the season on Sunday and Jefferies admits he might experiment with nothing but pride to play for.[LNB]He said: "It's not to be, not through a lack of effort. I think the damage was done when we were beaten by Motherwell here recently.[LNB]"That's hindsight and we can't look back on that, we gave it a go. Hibs are so far in front with goal difference.[LNB]"We know what we have to do in the summer to prepare. It also lets me have a look at one or two things for Sunday. We want to finish on a high.[LNB]"We could not have done much more against United. We are playing the team that's third best and they don't lose many goals.[LNB]"The trouble is when the other game's level and you push forward, if you lose a goal and you find the other result has gone your way, you kick yourself.[LNB]"We went gung-ho and went with a three-pronged attack, with Gordon Smith, Calum Elliot and Gary Glen."[LNB]Dundee United manager Peter Houston, who confirmed he took Andy Webster off as a precaution at half-time ahead of the Active Nation Scottish Cup final against Ross County on May 15, felt his side did not get the rub of the green with the decisions.[LNB]Webster had a goal chalked off while Craig Conway appeared to be fouled in the box before getting a shot away in the first half.[LNB]Houston said: "I thought it was a hard-earned draw. In the first half, the chances fell to us and I don't remember Steve Banks having a lot to do.[LNB]"Webster scored the goal and it was disallowed, Conway then went through and I reckon, if he went down, it's a penalty kick.[LNB]"In the second half we had counter-attacks but lacked a bit of quality that could have won us the match."

Source: Team_Talk