The run-in for the runners-up position and Scotland's second Champions League place begins this afternoon with two home games for the contenders, Heart of Midlothian and Rangers.

With five games to play, Hearts lead the deposed champions by three points and have such a superior goal difference, +12, that it is effectively worth an extra point. A further advantage for the Tynecastle side is that their schedule includes three home games, while Rangers must play three away fixtures.

Valdas Ivanuaskas, Hearts' caretaker coach, who has steered the team into next month's Scottish Cup final against Gretna, said: "The team have been playing well, just playing away quietly and working hard for one another, especially in the games against Hibs and Celtic, and we need to continue to do that over the next few weeks.

"It is a very exciting time to be involved with Hearts, because all of the games are big games. Because we have been playing well and doing well in the league every other team want to win against us but we know our own players and strengths."

The Hearts captain, Steven Pressley, believes that qualification for the Champions League would see the side take a quantum leap in their development. "If we can qualify I think it will enable the club to attract even better players," said Pressley.

"If you can dangle the carrot of Champions League football in front of players then it certainly encourages them to come to your club. That's why it is so important to ourselves and to Rangers. If you do earn the right to play in the Champions League and bring in better players then, in turn, you can build an even greater challenge in the SPL next season as well."

Hearts have a full-strength squad, while Kilmarnock have no fresh concerns as they attempt to revive their pursuit of a Uefa Cup place following Sunday's 4-1 home defeat by Celtic.

Rangers, meanwhile, face Aberdeen at Ibrox. Rangers' manager, Alex McLeish, was still an Aberdeen player when the Pittodrie side last won in Govan, on Sept 28 1991.

On 28 subsequent visits, Aberdeen have failed to repeat the feat and McLeish said: "I hope the poor record continues. We have to keep winning these games and put pressure on Hearts."

Barry Nicholson returns to the Aberdeen squad, but Rangers will miss Hamed Namouchi, Peter Lovenkrands and Fernando Ricksen.

Taken from telegraph.co.uk