JAMBO FANS PLANNING DAY OF IBROX JAPERY AS THEIR HEROES HAVE LAST LAUGH IN CHASE FOR SECOND SPOT

TOMORROW'S end-of-season showdown with Rangers at Ibrox could have been a tension-filled affair but Wednesday night's crucial win over Aberdeen will turn the game into one big party for the Hearts supporters, regardless of the result, writes MARK BONTHRONE.

With a place in the Champions League qualifiers now secured thanks to Paul Hartley's 53rd-minute penalty against the Dons the Gorgie faithful are sure to partake in more than a little gloating against their rivals.

With the Rangers fans still struggling to come to terms with the fact they will be entering the UEFA Cup and not Europe's premier tournament, it's somewhat ironic that their first fixture since that was confirmed comes against the team to pip them.

Various Hearts supporters' websites have been debating the best way to wind up their Glasgow counterparts since Wednesday, with one of the more original ideas to find favour being to open up newspapers and start reading them as the game kicks-off - a sign that the game now has no relevance to the SPL standings. A few beach balls and sombreros are also likely to be seen as the Capital fans goad the Rangers support, while the more artistic Hearts fans plan to unfurl a banner reading "Ibrox Park - Champions League section".

Calls for a few renditions of "Champions League, you're having laugh" are sure to be taken up as the fans look for a noisier way to taunt their rivals.

And a little ditty belted out by both Hearts and Celtic at the recent meetings of the teams at Tynecastle - "Let's all laugh at Rangers" - is another song that is sure to find favour while "We're only here for the party" will be a popular choice for supporters still revelling in the Jambos' success.

Martin Byrne: "We are going to have a party with Donald the Cop, Dougie the Indian, Walker the Cowboy, Kennedy the Biker and Kenny the Workman. We might even go to all the many Champions League matches!"

Iain Moss: "Among the banners on display, look out for these beauties: 'Ibrox Park: Champions League section' and 'You're simply third best.' Should be a lot of fun!"

Keith Barnett: "As the only games I see are with my friends at the Rangers Supporters' Club and being the only person wearing maroon and being subjected to much derision, I shall strut in on Sunday and release years of built up frustration on those around me. Patience is a virtue and revenge is sweet."

Gordon Brownlie, Livingston: "What a season to be a Jambo! The Aberdeen game was not the best match we have played this season, and there was a nervous edge to our performance. Once again, Paul Hartley did the business for us and I was fortunate enough to get his shirt after the game. I am now the proud owner of the shirt worn by a true Hearts legend who scored the goal that got us into the Champions League. I now hope and pray that Elvis lifts the Scottish Cup for us next week, because he has been a rock this season and deserves the honour. I am quite sure it will be an extremely emotional moment if he does!"

Brian Beaton: "Hearts could make it to the section stages. You only have to look where we were last year - the majority of Hearts fans conceding to Chris Robinson's efforts of moving us to Murrayfield but a small group of loyal fans said we will fight to Save our Hearts, the rest is history, congratulations to these fans. Vlad has to be congratulated, too, for his financial help and strong leadership. The players have been superb, so let's all move forward together, let us all believe in the Heart of Midlothian."

David Hovell: "All fans are advised to wear pyjamas and carry golden wands."

Taken from the Scotsman