 JJ has demanded his players deliver more than the point that would secure them a place in the top six when they face Kilmarnock this weekend - because he has ambitions to secure fifth place. If the Jambos secure at least one point at home against Killie on Saturday they will be playing their final five games of the 2009-10 season against teams in the top half of the table. But JJ is not simply satisfied with point, he is demanding his side deliver the win that would cut the gap on Motherwell to four points and set up a fascinating battle for what could be the top flight's final European place. Should Celtic and Dundee United win their respective Active Nation Scottish Cup semi-finals this weekend, the side which finishes fifth in the SPL would enter next season's Europa League qualifiers. JJ explained his two reasons for wanting a win on Saturday. He said: "One is to get in the top six. And the other: Motherwell don't play until Tuesday so we could close the gap. If we do that, we've got them to play. We should be looking at the team above us. The gap will be something like four points, and they've got to play Celtic at Parkhead on Tuesday. So that gives you a realistic chance of catching them." With a three point gap on St Johnstone, who do not play until Sunday, JJ accepts a top-six spot is his side's to throw away. And he also admitted Hearts should not be leaving it to the final game before the split to be securing their top-half status. He said: "Hearts have got to be better than that. They're a big club, they should be challenging up there, like Hibs early on, challenging the Old Firm. We should be up there in that area. I'll be making them aware of that but I think that's taken for granted that's where we should be." JJ pointed to the club's "horrendous injury list" as a major factor in their up-and-down season, revealing Gary Glen was the latest doubt for Saturday's game with a groin strain. Ismael Bouzid (hamstring) and Calum Elliot (knee) could both return against Jefferies' former club. The Hearts boss vowed to investigate the circumstances that have led to so many injuries at the end of the season. JJalso acknowledged the need to solve the club's goal-scoring problem. He said: "There's no doubt we've not scored enough goals this year. We've been having more people in the box and creating more chances, but you've still got to stick them away. Everybody knows that at our club, the owners and staff." |