Hearts learn how many points needed for European place as Barrie McKay strikes in 2-0 win over Livingston

Seven more Premiership points will secure third place and a spot in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds as a minimum for the Edinburgh club. That’s before any rewards which may come from the Scottish Cup.

This was a straightforward three points delivered by Beni Baningime’s second goal in two games plus Barrie McKay’s first in a Hearts shirt on what was his 30th appearance. The result pushed the home side 14 points clear of Dundee United in third.

Baningime was forced off injured before half-time with what seemed like a knee complaint. Hearts must hope it is nothing serious with a monumental April approaching, including two Edinburgh derbies against Hibs in the league and Scottish Cup.

After a pivotal cameo appearance in the cup last weekend, Aaron McEneff was restored to Hearts’ starting line-up for this fixture. Livingston made four alterations following a two-week break since their home Premiership defeat by Celtic. They travelled to Gorgie seeking points to boost their top-six aspirations.

Warm sunshine flooded Tynecastle Park on a perfect spring afternoon as the Big Hearts Community Trust raised funds for refugees, including those from Ukraine. The hosts wore their blue-and-black third kit to promote their club charity.

They took less than three minutes to donate a goal to this game. After clever build-up involving McKay and Liam Boyce, Ellis Simms’ cross was knocked back across the face of goal by Nathaniel Atkinson before Baningime arrived to prod home his second goal in two games. It was almost an identical copy of the first.

The Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek repelled Simms’ attempt as Hearts probed at the opposition seeking a second goal. Baningime and Peter Haring were the influential central