Jim urges players to pile on pressure

21 April 2010 14:50
Jim Jefferies has urged his Hearts players to pile the pressure on Hibs in the race for Europe by beating Motherwell in the SPL this weekend.[LNB] Jefferies' men will close to within three points of their city rivals and one of Saturday's opponents with victory at Tynecastle.[LNB]Should Hibs then fail to beat title-chasing Rangers on Sunday, Hearts would arrive at Easter Road for the Edinburgh derby six days later with the chance to move level with John Hughes' faltering charges.[LNB]"This is a huge game for us now against Motherwell," said Jefferies, whose side lost 2-0 at Ibrox on Sunday.[LNB]"We always knew Rangers was going to be a difficult match for us but the most important thing was that Motherwell didn't pick up anything either at the weekend.[LNB]"If we can get the crowd behind us and get a win on Saturday, hopefully that will put pressure on Hibs. They play Rangers on Sunday and that is not going to be easy for them with what's at stake.[LNB]"If Rangers were then to win then there would be just three points between us and Hibs when we play them at Easter Road.[LNB]"That's why Motherwell is a key game for us and they will also be playing Hibs at Fir Park when we take on Dundee United at Tynecastle on Wednesday, May 5 - so it's very interesting.[LNB]"It's all to play for at the moment and with three games at home coming up, this is our best chance to give it everything."[LNB]Hearts are currently sixth in the SPL, with fifth place likely to guarantee Europa League football next season.[LNB]Jefferies had good news today on the fitness of Gary Glen and Laryea Kingston, both of whom have returned to training following hamstring injuries.[LNB]Jefferies told Hearts News Today: "We thought Larry might miss a couple of days but he trained yesterday and is fine so that's good news and Gary Glen will also be in contention this weekend, which is another positive."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk