BEDNAR - WE CAN WIN SPL

By Chris Roberts, PA Sport

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Hearts striker Roman Bednar is backing his team-mates to better last season's success by winning the championship and qualifying for the Champions League group stages.

The club is looking forward to an exciting campaign with the SPL and qualification for European football's top club competition almost upon us.

Hearts finished 17 points behind Celtic in the title race last time out but Bednar is convinced they can go one better while also joining the Hoops in the Champions League.

He said: "This team can win the league and qualify for the Champions League.

"We must have the same vision as last season and have the same hunger to win every game."

The 23-year-old is also confident of beating Paul Hartley in the scoring charts having set himself a target of 20.

The midfielder scored 15 goals last season while Bednar hit the net just seven times.

Bednar added: "We are under pressure for the full season.

"I hope he (Hartley) can score 20 goals like me.

"It's not important how many we score if we win the league and qualify for the Champions League.

"I believe I will do better (in terms of goals) this season and if I can stay clear of injury I can score 20 goals."

The Czech frontman is unlikely to have the service of want-away winger Rudi Skacel next season.

But while Bednar admits that could cost Hearts 30 points, he is convinced they can find a suitable replacement.

He told Hearts World: "From the left midfield he scored 17 goals so we will miss those goals and maybe 30 points.

"But we have got some very good players who could maybe do that.

"He put in a lot of crosses for me but maybe in the next few games somebody can take his place and score those goals."

Taken from the Scotsman