Hearts are Celtic's 'biggest rivals'

As Rangers came to terms with the disappointment of failing to secure a Champions League qualifying slot, Celtic full-back Mark Wilson claimed that Vladimir Romanov's Hearts had replaced the other half of the Old Firm as the champions' most feared opponents.

The 21-year-old had not intended to kick outgoing Rangers manager Alex McLeish when he was down. By pointing out that new coach Paul Le Guen had a Herculean task in attempting to overturn a 20-point deficit, he believed he was merely stating the obvious.

Hearts' win over Aberdeen on Wednesday means that, for the first time since 1986 and only the fourth time in 59 years, Rangers have failed even to be runners-up in at least one competition.

Wilson expects the arrivistes from Edinburgh to sustain their momentum next season. "At the moment I have to say that Hearts are our biggest rivals because they've just finished second," he said. "It's going to be tough next season because Rangers have got their new manager and Hibs will strengthen, too, but Hearts are our main challengers now.

"Getting the Champions League place was great for them. They've been up there all through the season and I think it would have been cruel if Rangers had nicked it from them."

Taken from telegraph.co.uk