Andy Webster insists Hearts' quest for European football next season will help keep them focused over the next few weeks.
Centre-back insists there is still a lot to play for in league
Andy Webster insists Hearts' quest for European football next season will help keep them focused over the next few weeks.
The Jambos set up an all-Edinburgh affair for the Scottish FA Cup final after defeating SPL champions Celtic on Sunday thanks to a controversial last-minute penalty.
However, with five games remaining in the SPL, Hearts face a battle to qualify for European football next season.
Just two points separate the three sides competing for the two remaining Europa League berths and the 29-year-old told
Sky Sports that he is determined to end the domestic season on a high.
Achievement
"It has been a massive achievement for us just to get into the final, especially against a side that have been consistently solid all season like Celtic have been," he said.
"We knew that it was going to be very tough, but at the same time we were confident in our own ability to go out there and win the game.
"In those type of games you have to ride your luck at times and we got that rub of the green when we needed it that day.
"We've still got a lot to play for, with some massive games coming up and that is the great thing about our situation at the moment.
"Once you get into a cup final some people can start to focus entirely on that, but we've got some huge games in the next few weeks and that will make sure we put the big day on hold till then.
"With the quality of squad that we've got here qualifying for Europe is a minimum for us this season really.
Vital
"We've got the opportunity to make sure that we are up there after next five games, so it is up to us to finish the season strongly.
"These next six games are vital to us and dictate whether this season is looked upon as a great one or a mediocre one, so we know the importance of it all and will be showing that in the next six games."
Hearts' next two fixtures see Webster face former employers Rangers and Dundee United and the composed centre-half is relishing both in equal measure.
He said: "There is always an added incentive when you face a former club, but the main thing for me is to look forward to them and then enjoy them when they come round.
"I enjoyed my time at both clubs and both will pose tough opposition over the next few weeks."
