Hearts beat European drum

Hearts fans could be cheering their team on in Europe next season

Scotland international Colin Cameron believes a regular place in Europe is the only way Hearts can prove themselves to be the third club in the country.

The Tynecastle side will clinch a UEFA Cup spot if they win the Edinburgh derby against Hibs on Sunday.

But Cameron maintains that Hearts must be prepared to battle for European competition to satisfy the fans.

If you've the carrot of European football it makes it easier to get new players to the club

Colin Cameron, Hearts

If Hearts slip up and Motherwell beat Rangers, the Fir Park side will pip Hearts in the battle for the final Uefa Cup place.

"We should be in Europe every season and we are in a good position to achieve that," said Cameron.

"The injection of money we had earlier in the season and the financial backing has allowed the manager to bring in players although it takes time for some players to settle.

"But if you've the carrot of European football it makes it more attractive and easier to get new players to come to the club.

Final farewells

Hibs supporters will say goodbye to two of their favourites at Tynecastle with both John Hughes and Pat McGinlay playing their final games for the club.

But Easter Road boss Alex McLeish insists his decision to allow both players to leave could offer them a bright new future.

"Both players will definitely play and I hope they can go out on a high," said McLeish.

"I'm sure they will go on and give great service to other clubs but we will miss both of them.

John Hughes: Last game

"If I had kept both of them on, only playing them now and again wouldn't suit them. It could be we're helping them get a new lease of life."

Striker Gary Wales is missing from the Hearts side after breaking his leg at Rangers last week and he joins Stephane Adam, Kevin James and Fabien Leclerq on the casualty list. Gary Locke is suspended for the game.

Hibs will be without long-term injury victims Dirk Lehmann and Franck Sauzee. McLeish will make a late decision on Matthias Jack, who has a foot injury.

Dundee manager Jocky Scott admits that his final game in charge will be heartbreaking, but he is determined to leave the side in excellent working order for successor Ivano Bonetti.

Scott was informed earlier this month that his contract would not be renewed, before the Italian was introduced as the new Dens Park boss.

Jocky Scott: Emotional

But Scott insists that the players must think of their own futures and secure a win over Aberdeen to impress the new boss.

"I want the players to go out and repeat the performances and the results of their last two games," said Scott.

"I have spent a lot of my career here and I have obviously got a feeling for the place.

"I have also lived in Dundee for 30 years and have never had to uproot the family so it is going to be a wrench to leave."

Cup preparations

Aberdeen boss Ebbe Skovdahl sympathised with Scott.

"There is a lot at stake for Sunday's game. We are preparing for a cup final and Dundee will want to play well for Jocky Scott," said Skovdahl.

"I don't know him personally but he is an honest, hard-working manager who won't be out of the game for long."

Dundee hope to have Steven Tweed back after a back injury, but there is a doubt over Javier Artero who has a foot injury.

Gary Holt is vying for a Scotland place

Francisco Luna has trained all week following a groin injury, but there is still a question mark over him. Lee Sharp is added to the squad.

Aberdeen's Andreas Mayer has been ruled out of next week's cup final with a stomach injury, while Derek Young faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury. Defender Derek Whyte is suspended, but both Cato Guntveit and Russell Anderson return to the squad.

St Johnstone manager Sandy Clark has had Alan Main, George O'Boyle, Nathan Lowndes, Alan Kernaghan and Allan Ferguson all sidelined with fitness problems during this year's campaign.

"It's been a long season and a strange one for us in the SPL and at times we have been unlucky certainly," said Clark.

"We had a lot of injuries to key individuals, but the other players in the squad have responded well and have taken us up to fifth in the league so we have to be happy with that."

Frederic Dindeleux and Mark Reilly are missing with leg injuries, while Sean Hessey and Gus MacPherson are suspended for Kilmarnock.