Hearts star has been there, Dun that – now it's time for Europa

The Spaniard speaks warmly of all his former clubs but always had a hankering for top-level exposure. Hence the move to Tynecastle in 2007, which was intended to imbue him with new possibilities in the prestigious arenas that are home to UEFA's Champions League and new Europa League.

It has taken Palazuelos longer than expected to fulfil his ambition of playing amongst the continent's elite. Nonetheless, Michael Stewart's decisive strike against Dundee United on Saturday brought the prospect sharply into focus.

Sitting five points clear in third place, Hearts are now clear favourites for European football next season, and the excitement is beginning to take hold in Gorgie.

Most supporters will refrain from looking out the passports for now in case of jinxing their side. Palazuelos is doing likewise but inwardly he is toiling to contain the excitement.

Last summer, he had to endure the frustration of watching former club Aris Thessaloniki reach the UEFA Cup qualifying rounds just 12 months after he left. The Greeks were instantly eliminated by Slaven Koprivnica of Croatia, but Palazuelos believes Hearts would be better equipped on the continent.

"This year is a good moment to play European football with Hearts. I am very happy here and I think we will be in the Europa League next year," he enthused. "It would be great for me to play at that level; if you play well other teams see you but the team must stay in third position until the summer.

"I have never played in Europe before. Aris qualified for this season's UEFA Cup because they finished third in Greece last year, but when I was there we did not play in Europe.

"For me, this is perfect. I am a Spanish player, I came here to see a different kind of football. Scottish football is more pressing and long passing but we are looking good in the third position and it's possible to get to the Europa League.

"We can play against some good teams in that competition which would be good for me and the whole team."

Palazuelos described Saturday as a "perfect day", one which could go a long way towards realising one of his career aspirations. After some extensive celebrations at full-time in front of the delirious travelling support, he retreated to the away dressing-room to absorb the magnitude of a 1-0 victory on Tayside. He admitted Hearts would have graciously accepted a point and headed off down the M90, but that their resilience had allowed for an extra effort.

"It was unbelievable in the dressing-room after the game," continued the 25-year-old. "We went there not to lose the game, a point would have been good but three points is so important. We are more points in front now in third position and the atmosphere just now is incredible.

"Everybody knows Csaba Laszlo, his passion and his spirit. This is good for the team to see this. When the manager brings the atmosphere with him it is very good for the players and the fans. I think the whole day was perfect.

"Whether we are playing home or away, the team always goes for three points. But going to Dundee United is difficult. They are a good team so we would have taken one point, but three points is perfect. We have rested and now we are ready to play Motherwell tomorrow."

Palazuelos attempted to console his compatriot, Francisco Sandaza, in the aftermath of the United game. The striker's late penalty was saved by Janos Balogh but, when Palazuelos discusses their post-match conversation, you can't help wondering whether Sandaza would have welcomed the words of his countryman.

"I didn't think it was a penalty because I saw Eggert take the ball," said Palazuelos on the nonsensical award by referee Eddie Smith. "When the referee gave the penalty I thought that was it, maybe we have to take one point. It was difficult for the players, we believed it was no penalty but the other player could score and change the game to 1-1.

"But we were lucky. My friend Sandaza missed the penalty. This was unlucky for him but very good for us. I spoke with him after the game and said: 'This is football, sometimes it's good and sometimes it's not. Get ready for the next game – and thank you'."

He bursts out laughing. "I didn't say this. I just spoke with him because he was down and I tried to lift him up."

There are those who believe the assuredness and composure displayed by Hearts on Saturday had much to do with Palazuelos' re-instatement to the midfield. Alongside Michael Stewart, he patrolled the engine room vigorously and hardly wasted a pass. "For the last six or seven games it has not been possible for me to start," he said.

"I got an injury a few weeks ago at Easter Road so it was good to be in the team against Dundee United. It was a big game, we took the three points home and for me it was a great day.

"I hope I can stay in the team now but I don't know. I can only keep training, this discussion is for the manager. He has very good players in the team so I can't say anything. There are other good players behind me who play well for Hearts."

Regardless of his pragmatism, you sense that Ruben Palazuelos won't be giving up his place without a fight. Not with his European dream looking ever more plausible.

Taken from the Scotsman