Hearts manager Robbie Neilson insists the club's long-term goal is to compete with Celtic and Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
But the next step towards success is to reclaim a place in Europe.
The Jambos boss still hasn't been beaten in the league so far after five games after Sunday's 0-0 draw in the Edinburgh Derby against Hibs.
He was the manager the last time Hearts played on the continental stage, defeating Infonet Tallinn before a shock exit at the hands of Malta's Birkirkara in 2016 Europa League qualifying.
The UEFA landscape has changed considerably since then with the introduction of the Europa Conference League and Hearts are looking a good bet to pick up one of those places after their strong start.
But after that Neilson insists the long-term goal has to be challenging Glasgow's big two.
Speaking on Open Goal for winning Manager of the Month for August, Neilson said: "I think our aim has got to be European football.
"You want to be round about the Old Firm but it's very, very difficult to say you're going to beat the Old Firm.
"But that's got to be the objective, eventually, for the club.
"It might take a few seasons to get there but this season it's got to be top six and pushing for Europe.
"If we can do that, there's a base and we can see where we go."
