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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ryan Thom

Robbie Neilson sets Hearts pre-World Cup target as he looks to climb Premiership table

Hearts boss Robbie Neilson is aiming to secure maximum points to haul his side back up the Premiership table before next week’s World Cup break.

The Jambos face three games in a week, with Motherwell at home followed by a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers before they host Livingston at Tynecastle. A recent run of poor results saw Hearts drop to third to seventh as they couldn’t buy a win. However, they have shown recent signs of a comeback after a positive display in the home defeat to Celtic was followed by a win over RFS and then a big victory in the Highlands against Ross County.

After their European journey came to an end with a battling 3-1 defeat against Istanbul Basaksehir on Thursday, Neilson has set a firm focus on taking a possible nine out of nine points in the next league encounters, as sets sight on reclaiming third spot again this season.

READ MORE: Hearts set for Spain training camp as Robbie Neilson confirms hopes to play friendly

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Speaking to the Daily Record, Neilson said: "We've got three big games coming up now. We're playing Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday before we go into the international break. So, we would like to take maximum points from that and get ourselves back up the league. It's all eyes on that now."

Hearts rested some key men during Thursday’s dead rubber Europa Conference League match in Turkey.

18-year-old prospect Finlay Pollock got his first taste of action on the continent and Neilson was left impressed by the youngsters exploits.

Neilson rested some of his top performers in Thursday's dead rubber in Turkey and gave the 18-year-old Finlay Pollock his first European appearance. The Hearts head coach is convinced the teenager has a bright future ahead.

He said: "I'm delighted with Pollock coming on; I thought he did really well for a young kid. It was his first European experience and he showed great energy and great workrate. He's going to be a big player for us in the future."

READ NEXT:

- Hearts urged to channel Premiership focus as Jambos warned against difficult World Cup break spot

- Hearts planning January transfer activity as Robbie Neilson outlines aims for winter window

- Hearts hero Colin Cameron explains 'strange' connection with Hibs favourite after football return

- Hearts fight valiant Celtic battle but lose out in VAR dominated thriller - three things we learned

- Hearts tie down Finlay Pollock to long-term deal as Joe Savage lists key attributes

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