| Hearts manager Jim Jefferies has given up hope of taking his side into Europe next season after drawing 0-0 with Dundee United last night. With three points and 11 goals to make up on fifth-placed Hibs (who once again gave up a winning position to end up drawing 6-6 with Motherwell), Jefferies knows it is just too much do this time around. After a lethargic first-half performance where chances were hard to come by at both ends, the game opened up after the break as Hearts and Untied chased an elusive winner. Midfielder David Templeton went close with a stinging drive that was palmed behind by Steve Banks while United were dangerous in the air but rarely tested Jamie MacDonald. Celtic are the final visitors to Gorgie this season on Sunday and Jefferies admits he might experiment with nothing but pride to play for. He said: "It's not to be, not through a lack of effort. I think the damage was done when we were beaten by Motherwell here recently. That's hindsight and we can't look back on that, we gave it a go. Hibs are so far in front with goal difference. We know what we have to do in the summer to prepare. It also lets me have a look at one or two things for Sunday. We want to finish on a high. We could not have done much more against United. We are playing the team that's third best and they don't lose many goals. The trouble is when the other game's level and you push forward, if you lose a goal and you find the other result has gone your way, you kick yourself. We went gung-ho and went with a three-pronged attack, with Gordon Smith, Calum Elliot and Gary Glen." |