Robbie Neilson says a Hearts Premiership title challenge should be the long-term objective at Tynecastle.
But for now he has set grabbing a European spot as the target for this season.
The Jambos sit second in the table ahead of this Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Edinburgh derby against Hibs, who are above their city rivals only on goal difference.
It’s been a spectacular return to the top flight for Neilson’s side after last year’s Championship title success.
And asked if the title was a realistic ambition for Hearts further down the line Neilson said: “It’s an objective for us all. I’d like to think Aberdeen, Hibs and even Dundee United are the same.
“We want to challenge at the top end of the league, we know it’s very difficult to sustain a challenge but we have a really good squad here that has a lot of cover in different areas and that gives us the best chance to be up the top end.
“I always expect Hearts to be in the top six, challenging for European places.
“We had a good season to get out the Championship but our objective now is to get regular European football and I’d like to start this season.”
Meanwhile Barrie McKay is set to be thrown into the heat of Edinburgh derby just days after signing for Hearts and snubbing late interest from Hibs.
Neilson says the winger is ready to play some part at Tynecastle on Sunday although he is unlikely to be in his starting XI.
It was third time lucky for Neilson in trying to sign former Rangers star McKay after he’d failed with a move while manager of MK Dons and again when he returned to Hearts last season.
Now he finally has the 26-year-old in the building after securing his signature on Tuesday.
And Neilson said: “We are getting a really good talent, a boy that’s experienced, an international player. He is 26 now, mature and I’ve tracked him for a number of years.
“I tried to get him a couple of years ago when I was down south and tried again when I first came in here. To get it over the line is great and you can see in training the quality, pace and energy he brings.
“That’s him not having trained with a team for three months so we think over the next few weeks we will see the real Barrie McKay when the fitness comes.”
Asked if the winger was fit to play his part in Sunday’s derby Neilson told Sky Sports: “Barrie has trained and I wouldn’t say he is ready to start on Sunday but he is definitely ready to be part of the game.”
