SWEET LAST-16

HEARTS chief Roman Romanov last night challenged his Champions League rookies to shock Europe and reach the last 16.

Paul Hartley's 53rd-minute penalty against Aberdeen at Tynecastle on Wednesday night was enough to clinch second spot in the SPL and a place in the world's top club tournament. But hardly had the celebrations died down in Gorgie than Romanov was setting targets for next season.

And he sees no reason why the Jambos can't emulate Rangers' achievement of this season by reaching the first knockout stage.

Hearts' chairman said: "No one really thought Rangers would do much in the Champions League but they reached the last 16 and were knocked out only on away goals.

"I think we have shown we're not far away from Rangers.

"Sometimes we played better than them this season and that might suggest we can reach the last 16. It's a dream, of course, and although it will take a lot of hard work and concentration I don't think it's impossible."

Hearts will be the first Scottish side outwith the Old Firm to feature in Europe's top club event since Aberdeen in the 1985-86 season.

But the Jambos will have to come through two qualifying rounds if they are to reach the multimillion pound group stage.

The draw for the qualifying rounds takes place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, at midday on June 23.

Hearts will know their potential opponents as the draw for the first and second qualifying rounds will both be made on that date.

The first leg of the second qualifying round takes place on July 25 or 26 with the second leg a week later.

If they get past that hurdle Hearts would then play the third qualifying round first leg on August 8 or 9 and the second leg on August 22 or 23.

The Tynecastle side have yet to decide where they will play their home ties. They used Murrayfield as their temporary base for home matches during last season's UEFA Cup group campaign.

Meanwhile, UEFA have confirmed Celtic will go straight into the Champions League group stage if Barcelona defeat Arsenal and win this season's final in Paris later this month.

But if the Gunners triumph Gordon Strachan's side would face a win-or-bust qualifier.

Meanwhile, bookies have made Hearts 150-1 shots to win the Champions League at their first attempt.

That's the price being quoted by Bet365, who rate Rangers at just 14-1 to win the UEFA Cup and shock qualifiers Gretna 250-1.

Spokesman Steve Freeth said: "We reckon Rangers have a good chance of winning the UEFA Cup next season.

"They might not be happy to be in it but Paul le Guen is a quality manager who has worked wonders in Europe before."

Taken from the Daily Record