Hearts earned right to savour this - Robbie Neilson renaissance, how team has been assembled, journey back from brink

In last weekend’s derby against Hibs, Hearts romped over the line to secure third place in the cinch Premiership at Tynecastle. A week on, in front of nearly 22,000 of their fans, they were forced to work harder for the win at Hampden.

They still came out on top, though, winning 2-1 and upgrading their European rewards to guaranteed group-stage action and an active interest until December at the very least. They have a Scottish Cup final to look forward to now as well.

And, they have earned it all. In the league, they blew away the competition, tying up their position as best of the rest behind the Celtic and Rangers before the split. That means that manager Robbie Neilson now has the luxury of managing the squad ahead of their season finale, back at Hampden, on May 21.

By then he hopes to have John Souttar, Michael Smith and Cammy Devlin back to full fitness, along with Andy Halliday, Stephen Kingsley and, possibly, Craig Halkett, who were all casualties of a bruising and feisty semi-final, where Hibs tested their physicality as well as their mettle.

“Craig is away to get a scan on his ankle,” revealed the victorious Gorgie boss. “I think all the guys who picked up knocks will be okay. Even with Halkett [who left the field on a stretcher and hobbled out of the national stadium in a protective boot], depending on how he is, he’s now got a carrot to get there.”

The strength in depth of the squad has been a factor in their ability to shine on league and cup duty. Even without the midfield pairing of Beni Baningime and Devlin, they have continued to flourish, thanks to the composure and experience the likes of Peter Haring and Halliday have brought to the midfield in recent weeks.

While at the back, they have retained a