Steven Naismith reveals why Rangers loss doesn't worry him as Hearts urged to enjoy Euro cruise

Hearts fans are dreaming about the pubs around Europe. But at Rugby Park, the bar stopped them from confirming third spot in the Premiership - and a £5 million Euro jackpot.

The Jambos would have booked their berth in the Europa League play-offs with a victory at Kilmarnock. They were the better side in Ayrshire but two first half efforts from Kenneth Vargas and Cammy Devlin rattled the woodwork. And despite further attempts saved by Killie keeper Will Dennis, Steven Naismith’s men couldn’t find a golden goal.

They’ve all but secured their best of the rest tag and a guaranteed eight money-spinning Euro ties in the Conference League at least. They edged closer in Ayrshire but will get another crack at finishing the job against Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday. For Kilmarnock, the goalless draw kept them nine points clear of fifth placed St Mirren - who play Sunday - as Derek McInnes’ men eye a Euro adventure of their own this summer.

But it was the visitors who missed clear-cut chances here. And afterwards, Hearts gaffer Steven Naismith said: “We should have had it won in the first half. Our performance was brilliant.

“The only thing we missed was probably a few goals. We did everything but score - and this is one of the toughest places to come. It was one of those days. The players didn’t do too much wrong and we hit the bar with Kenneth and Cammy.

“Maybe if this was September I’d be more frustrated. But we’ve ticked a game off with a really good performance. The fans were great today and we want to enjoy this month because it’s so rare.

“Today has been a big step in getting us over the line because we’ve asked Kilmarnock to not drop a point until the end of the season against the best teams in the league. We’re in a really good place and we can enjoy this month before the challenges of next season.”

The Hearts supporters had the beach balls with them at Rugby Park but Naismith’s players clearly weren’t on their holidays already. And after a sore Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Rangers at Hampden last weekend, he was delighted with their attitude.

He said: “We were disappointed last week but we’re driven. If we were five years on with this group of players coming to the end of a cycle with a demand to win a trophy - I’d be worried.

“But we’re at the end of a very good first season. Today shows the drive we’ve got.

“We could have just turned up today because it would take an exceptional run from Kilmarnock to catch us. But we didn’t because we’re driven and that’s a great sign for me.”