It may not have been the result which Hearts fans wanted but Celtic’s defeat of Rangers has ensured the Jambos will play in the Champions League qualifiers next season.
The title-chasing Jambos had been hoping Martin O’Neill’s side would slip up in the final Old Firm derby of the season at Parkhead to boost their chances of a first league triumph since 1960.
However, the 3-1 win means the best finish that Rangers can manage this season is third place.
Hearts remain one point ahead of the Hoops with two games left to play, with the teams meeting in Glasgow on Saturday in the final game of the campaign. Derek McInnes’ side host Falkirk in midweek while Celtic travel to Motherwell.
The Scottish Premiership runners-up will be in the Champions League second qualifying round, with three ties to get through before they reach the league phase. The league winners have the benefit of going into the play-off round.
Hearts were last in the Champions League qualifiers after the 2005-06 season, when they finished second to Celtic.
They took care of Siroki Brijeg in the second qualifying round but exited at the hands of Greek side AEK Athens in the next round.
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