Bednar sets a target of 20 goals for the season

HEARTS striker Roman Bednar is backing his team-mates to better last season's success by winning the championship and qualifying for the Champions League group stages.

Hearts finished 17 points behind Celtic in the title race last time out but Bednar is convinced they can go one better while also joining the Parkhead side among Europe's elite.

He said: "This team can win the league and qualify for the Champions League. We must have the same vision as last season and have the same hunger to win every game."

The 23-year-old is also confident of beating Paul Hartley in the scoring charts having set himself a target of 20.

The Scotland midfielder scored 15 goals last season while Bednar found the net just seven times.

"I hope he [Hartley] can score 20 goals like me, added Bednar, who is currently at Hearts' pre-season training base in Austria. "It's not important how many we score if we win the league and qualify for the Champions League. I believe I will do better this season and if I can stay clear of injury I can score 20 goals."

The Czech frontman is unlikely to have the service of want-away winger Rudi Skacel next season. But while Bednar admits that could cost Hearts 30 points, he is convinced they can find a suitable replacement.

He told Hearts World: "From the left midfield he scored 17 goals so we will miss those goals and maybe 30 points. He put in a lot of crosses for me but maybe somebody can take his place and score those goals."

Taken from the Scotsman