Saul's Euro vision

Midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas today claimed a top six finish this season isn't good enough for Hearts, insisting qualification for Europe has to be the objective.

New manager Csaba Laszlo is determined to improve on last term's eighth-place finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and Saulius believes the squad at his disposal is more than capable of securing a return ticket to the UEFA Cup.
Article continues
Advertisement

"We want to improve from last season and show that we are better," said the Hearts star.

"Finishing in the top six is not our target, our target must be to get back into Europe.

"Just making the top six is not good enough and with the strong squad we have and the new manager, I am confident that can happen."

Speaking at the Riccarton Press conference ahead of the league opener against Motherwell at Tynecastle, Saulius said it was vital the players help win back the fans with their performances on the pitch after last season's disappointment.

"It is very important to bring back the supporters and show that we are very positive for the new season," he said.

"Motherwell are always a strong team to play against but we are all looking forward to the game. The new manager is a bit more tactical but likes to play football .

"These are exciting times for everyone. We are all happy with the new boss. We are a more solid team with a better shape. He pays a lot of attention to detail and we all know our jobs on the pitch and hopefully we can work together to get a good result against Motherwell."

The Lithuanian internationalist was an armchair fan in midweek as Kuanas stunned European football with victory over Rangers in their Champions League qualifier.

"I have spoken to the Kaunas players. They are very happy and excited about the results as it was a big achievement for them," he said.

"It is the first time Kaunas have ever made it into the third qualifying round of the Champions League so they are all on a high.

"I knew they were a decent team and knew what they were capable of but I was still surprised they beat Rangers. They showed a lot of passion and commitment in the game and the result will give Lithuanian football a big lift."

Hearts World