Hearts seek strong post-split start on long-shot drive for a place in Europe

Aware that the home team will be difficult opponents no matter how far away from reclaiming the title they are, Jim Jefferies' side will simply concentrate on getting their post-split campaign off to a good start.

As Hearts lost 4-1 at home to Rangers just three weeks ago, the omens are not propitious. But, having clawed their way into the top six ahead of St Johnstone, they appear increasingly hopeful of climbing one or two places between now and the end of the season.

"We are in the top six now and hopefully we can finish above Hibs, which would be great for the club," full-back Jason Thomson said. "They were tipped to spilt the Old Firm and they were on a great run, but that has come to an end and maybe they are not getting the luck.

"It's going to be hard. Six points is still a lot with only five games to do anything. So we'll see what happens."

Motherwell lie between the two Edinburgh clubs, so for Hearts to get above Hibs also means overtaking the Fir Park side. With their remaining four games after tomorrow all being in Edinburgh, Hearts have been given a decent run of fixtures, and Thomson thinks that a draw at Ibrox could be a reasonable start to their post-split matches.

"We only need to leave Edinburgh once now, then we have three home games and a derby against Hibs where anything can happen. So the fixtures probably couldn't have landed any better from our point of view.

"If we could go to Rangers and get a point then realistically that would be a great point for us. Then we would have Motherwell at home and we'd fancy ourselves to pick up something. Hibs have a hard run of games, so we will just see what we can do and then see where that takes us."

From Hearts' point of view, a victory for Celtic against Hibs today would be doubly welcome – because it would allow them to close the gap on the Easter Road club, and because it would deny Rangers the chance to win the title against them. "We don't really want them to win it against us," Thomson continued.

"It wouldn't be nice if they were to have their title party when we were there. But if they are going for it then we'll just have to try and stop them and try and get the win.

"I think the place will be bouncing if Celtic drop anything. They are professionals and you would expect them to be up for any game, but they will be up for it that wee bit more if they know they can win the league."

Hearts captain Michael Stewart is back in full training after being out with a calf injury, and Jefferies will wait as long as possible before ruling on the midfielder's match fitness. "We will see how Michael goes," Jefferies said on the club's website.

"He trained today and yesterday and is obviously very keen to get back playing again. Sunday might just come too soon for him, but we'll give him every chance before making a final decision."

With Hearts having played well without him in some recent matches, Stewart no longer appears as crucial to the team as he was. But whether he stays for next season or leaves in the summer under freedom of contract, playing in the next few games would clearly enhance his bargaining strength with whomever he may wish to play for.

Of tomorrow's match with Rangers, Thomson added: "

They have good players and as soon as they get a chance they put it away. We need to cut out the mistakes and attack them more. The first goal at a place like Ibrox is always important. If they get it the crowd will get behind them, but if we can get it then it could get the crowd on their back.

"I remember saying not that long ago that we were in a relegation battle and we had to fight to get out of there, and we have done great to do that. The manager has come in and we have kicked on since then.

"Getting a point at Tannadice was probably a good point (for Rangers] because it is a hard place to go to. But it's in their own hands. Hopefully they won't win it over the next couple of games, but I am sure they will win it over the next couple of weeks."