Juanjo backing Hearts

FORMER Hearts star Juanjo insisted today that the Jambos can still finish third in the SPL.

The Spaniard helped Inverness Caley Thistle defeat John Robertson’s under-strength side at Tynecastle on Saturday, the visitors’ 2-0 victory leaving the Gorgie outfit with a mountain to climb in the race for Europe. Aberdeen’s 3-0 thrashing of Hibs at Pittodrie saw the Dons storm into third spot and left Hearts cut adrift in fifth place, five points behind their Capital rivals.

With just nine games left this season, Hearts now face a almighty struggle in the fight for UEFA Cup qualification. It’s a battle, though, which Juanjo believes his former team-mates can win. "It is going to be difficult for them but I think they can still do it," he said.

"Hibs appear to be on a bit of a downer at the moment after their loss to Aberdeen at Pittodrie and it’s a question of how they handle that.

"It is now up to Hearts to add to the pressure by getting some good results in the games which lie ahead."

A header from Darren Dods and a Barry Wilson penalty gave Craig Brewster’s side a comfortable victory.

With the majority of his first-team regulars struck down by flu, Robertson was forced to hand Jason Thomson his debut at right-back on Saturday.

The 17-year-old’s performance was undoubtedly one of the few positives on a disappointing afternoon for the home side.

"I thought Jason was magnificent on his debut," said Robertson. "It was a big occasion for him but I thought he played very well and the experience will have done no harm whatsoever."

Taken from the Scotsman