Inverness' Intertoto hopes hinge on Hearts' SPL finish

INVERNESS are hoping Hearts clinch third place in the SPL to ensure the way is paved for the Highlanders to compete in the Intertoto Cup.

Both sides have expressed an interest in entering the competition, which carries the guarantee of 11 UEFA Cup places.

Hearts currently have first refusal on the berth, given the fact they are in the top six and Charlie Christie's men languish in the lower half. However, if the Tynecastle side qualify for the UEFA Cup through their league position, then Inverness will be allowed to enter the competition, assuming they can improve their SPL position sufficiently to finish in the top eight.

Caley currently sit in ninth place, four points adrift of Dundee United.