Defender Eggert Jonsson concedes Hearts are now playing to consolidate third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after recent defeats to Celtic and Rangers.
Ahead of Saturday's match at Hamilton, Hearts sit third in the SPL, 12 points above fourth-placed Kilmarnock, but trailing leaders Celtic by 10 points and Rangers by five. Rangers have two games in hand on their Old Firm rivals.
Jonsson said: "We were hoping to be able to get results against them (Celtic and Rangers) and put ourselves right into the mix. Unfortunately we didn't manage to do that. But that's all in the past now. We're looking forward to the next games and we need to get ourselves going again and hopefully get on another run."
Hearts conceded early goals in each match in Glasgow against each side of the Old Firm.
Jonsson added: "In those two games it never really looked like we were going to get something, especially the Celtic game, we had a bad day.
"But in the games that are coming up now we want to show everyone what we can do and these are important games to make sure we get back to winning ways and secure third place."
Jonsson did not rule out a title challenge but knows Hearts are reliant on Celtic and Rangers slipping up.
Asked if Hearts can catch the Old Firm, he said: "If they start losing points we can, if we go and win seven games in a row.
"But they're in a good position now. We need them to slip up to get back into it.
"But we're looking at the positives. We hope to get on another run and see where it takes us."
Source: PA
