By SUN ONLINE REPORTER
HEARTS have set their sights on the SPL title after qualifying for the Champions League.

The Jambos secured second spot ahead of Rangers after Paul Hartley's penalty saw off Aberdeen.

But instead of basking in their Euro glory, Hearts chairman Roman Romanov insisted the club are looking to break the Old Firm hold on the championship.

The Edinburgh side became the first club to split Celtic and Rangers in 11 years.

Romanov said: "It is a dream for all of us to win the league.

"It is like a curse because it hasn’t happened for a long time and hopefully we can do it.

"I think we are at a level with Celtic and Rangers and, if we can compete with them, I don’t see why not.

"If you look at this season, I think we caught them off guard but all credit to Celtic, they pulled away."

Romanov also revealed his father and majority shareholder Vladimir will discuss new signings with interim head coach Valdas Ivanauskas in a bid to progress from the Champions League qualifiers.

He said: "The fans deserve it because it has been long awaited.

"We knew Aberdeen were not just going to go away and we were very glad of the result.

"Now there will be less pressure and we can prepare for the Scottish Cup final.

"Our goal was to achieve certain things and we are moving in the right direction.
"Vladimir will sit down with the coaching staff to listen to what positions we have weaknesses in and where we need to improve to compete in Europe.

"But I don’t think we are far away from that level. A couple more players to strengthen squad and we might be okay."

Hartley converted the crucial goal on 54 minutes after Dons defender Alexander Diamond had stopped a certain goal with his hand.

The visitors ended with 10 men when midfielder Scott Sevrein was sent off for a hefty challenge on Bruno Aguiar.

Taken from the Sun