JIMMY SAYS DIFFERENCE IS VERY SMALL

The Jambos secured second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League courtesy of a 54th-minute Paul Hartley penalty after Dons defender Alexander Diamond handled the ball in the box.

In a tension-filled night, former Hearts player Scott Severin was also sent off for an overly robust challenge on Bruno Aguiar late in the game.

However, there were scenes of great celebration at the final whistle as Hearts became the first non-Old Firm to represent Scotland in Europe's premier club competition since Aberdeen over 20 years ago.

Pressley said: "This is the start of something.

"People said this season was our greatest opportunity to win the league, but I didn't believe that.

"I believe this is just the beginning of something really special at Hearts.

"Make no mistake, there has been some serious investment at the club and there will be more to come.

"You just have to look at the statistics.

"The Old Firm have not been split for 12 years, so that shows the size of the task we had in front of us.

"When Vladimir Romanov (majority shareholder) came to the club he made a few statements and I think people were sceptical but the proof was here.

"It was a fantastic night and we really had to show our mettle.

"Aberdeen came with confidence and made life very difficult for us but I think they showed great character and great belief and we are all delighted.

"We've come a long way in nine months and we should be proud of that.

"This group of players have gone through a lot this season but the spirit was there for everyone to see and we are so proud."

Hearts interim head coach Valdas Ivanauskas insisted the glory should be shared among everyone associated with the Edinburgh club this season.

He said: "I'm very, very happy, it's a big day for the club, the players and myself.

"I was happy on Sunday when we beat Celtic but it's been a very hard nine months for the club and now we are all happy.

"But it's not only my work, it's the work of George Burley, Graham Rix and all the staff from the kit man to the bus driver.

"It's a victory for everybody.

"Now I can enjoy the next game against Rangers and then the next match after that is a Scottish Cup final."

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood insists his side put in a more than decent performance until they went behind to Hartley's 53rd-minute penalty.

He said: "Hearts are in the Champions League but in the first half you wouldn't have know they were in second place and who was in fifth place to be honest.

"I thought we played really well and I didn't think they were causing us any problems. A victory for Hearts didn't look inevitable at half time, no way. But our boys gave us everything although it wasn't to be.

"I thought Diamond was lucky only to get a yellow card at the penalty but I'm not sure about Scott Severin's red card, the referee was nearer than me to the incident."