Robbie Neilson shrugs off Hearts' Europa Conference League ambition as he ramps up Hibs showdown pressure

Robbie Neilson knows a win over Hibs in the Scottish Cup semi final would all but guarantee Hearts a place in the Europa Conference League group stage next season.

Even losing to Rangers or Celtic in the final would be enough, so long as the Jambos finish third in the Premiership - and with a 13 point lead, it would take a monumental collapse for that position to be snatched from them.

But Tynecastle boss Neilson is adamant the European prize - and the estimated £3m it would be worth this club - pales into insignificance compared to the far more primal ambition of knocking their closest and most bitter rival out of the Scottish Cup.

Hearts face Livingston and Ross County in their next two league matches before a double-header against Hibs that will set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.

Win the league match on April 9 and third place will be all but sealed. Triumph at Hampden the following week and there’s a Scottish Cup final to look forward to at the end of what will have been a phenomenally successful first season back in the top flight.

Neilson knows all this.

He also knows that all the supporters of his team really want is to lord it over Hibs in that semi final.

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He said: “The Europa