Dons star: We can match Hearts

Aberdeen midfielder Barry Nicholson has set his sights on matching big-spending Hearts in the SPL next season.

The Jambos, backed by their wealthy majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov, finished second in the SPL behind Celtic and were rewarded with a place in the Champions League qualifiers.

Hearts have yet to add to their already massive squad this summer but have been linked with a number of high-profile expensive players.

But the 27-year-old Nicholson believes the Dons have shown they can match the Gorgie side despite winning only once against the Edinburgh men in five meetings last season.

Nicholson told the Aberdeen Evening Express: "We can compete with Hearts.

"The games we had against them last season were quite tight and we've got to believe we can beat them.

"Even the Scottish Cup match which we lost 3-0 - there wasn't that much in it.

"A couple of decisions went in their favour while we were a bit unlucky at times.

"But we did manage to beat them at Tynecastle when we were on form.

"If we're playing at our best and can add a few more players in the summer then there's no need for us to fear anyone."

Nicholson, who is looking forward to his second season with the Dons, is hopeful of adding to his three international caps when Scotland's European Championship qualifiers begin early next season.

He said: "I want to play for my country again but my performances didn't merit a place in the Japan squad for the recent Kirin Cup trip.

"I've got to keep working hard on the training field and I'm sure if we are doing well as a team there will be more than just a few of us who could win call-ups.

"I've had a taste of international football a few years ago when I won my last Scotland call-up. It was just great to be a part of that.

"But I've got to do my best for Aberdeen first before I can even think further ahead."