PAUL'S TITLE DREAM

PAUL HARTLEY last night insisted Hearts would put winning the SPL ahead of Champions League success next season.

The Tynecastle midfielder would love both - but he'd rather end the Old Firm title dominance stretching back to 1985 when Aberdeen were the last team outwith the Glasgow giants to win the championship.

Hartley said: "If we had the choice of the league or getting to the Champions League group stage, everybody would want to win the league.

"That's what the supporters would want. You saw them last night when we finished second.

"We've only done it over one season. The big question is, can we do it next season? Everybody knows there will be a stronger Rangers and a stronger Celtic.

"But we are going to be a stronger Hearts. Only time will tell if we can do it again but we'll give it our best shot.

"I think Mr Romanov said we can win the league in three to five years but who knows - next season? If we can get the quality of player in, we've got the spirit to give ourselves a chance."

Hartley insisted Romanov, left, is not scared to spend his money and said: "He has already given out big contracts to Craig Gordon and others. He wants to be better than Celtic and Rangers. It might take time but he's got the money and hopefully we can do it."

The17-goalScotlandstaradmitshecan't wait to shine in the Champions League.

He said: "We know there will be qualifying rounds but the Champions League is what you dream of. We've all watched it on television and you want to play in those kind of matches.

"We know we have to strengthen. The hard work starts now. We have quality players but we need more in. If we can get 22 to 24 quality players in the squad, we'll give ourselves a chance.

"I heard the Romanovs saying there will be money available to bring in four or five players."

Taken from the Daily Record