Hartley hails a dream come true

Vladimir Romanov has financed Hearts revival

Top scorer Paul Hartley says Hearts are worthy qualifiers for the Champions League after securing second spot by beating Aberdeen 1-0 on Wednesday.

"It's magnificent," said the midfielder, who grabbed the winning penalty. "Playing in the Champions League is what you dream of as a kid.

"We did not play particularly well, but we have deserved it over the season.

"We've had our critics, but I'm delighted for the owner, Mr Romanov, who has invested lots of money."

It was the first time in 11 years that the Old Firm have not filled both top spots in the Scottish Premier Legue.

And it is also the first time in more than 20 years that a Scottish side other than Celtic or Rangers have been in Europe's premier club competition.

A lot of supporters were sceptical, but the dream has come true Hearts captain Steven Pressley

Hearts had billed the match against Aberdeen as their biggest ever.

And captain Steven Pressley told BBC Sport: "I have been at the club for eight years and I have waited a long time to experience a night like tonight.

"It is a fantastic feeling though it was an extremely nervous encounter tonight.

"Getting over the finishing line is always the hardest job. We showed tremendous character tonight.

"I spoke to Mr Romanov 18 months ago and he expressed his dreams for the club and I suppose a lot of supporters were sceptical, but the dream has come true.

"The supporters have been starved of this success for some time.

"We may not have won the league, but we have come a long way in 10 months, so it is a fantastic achievement."

Majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov will now discuss additions to the squad with interim head coach Valdas Ivanauskas.

Chairman Roman Romanov said: "Now there will be less pressure and we can prepare for the Scottish Cup final.

"Vladimir will sit down with the coaching staff to listen to what positions we have weaknesses in and where we need to improve to compete in Europe.

"But I don't think we are far away from that level. A couple more players to strengthen squad and we might be okay."

Romanov was also hoping for greater domestic success next season.

"It is a dream for all of us to win the league," he said.

"It is like a curse because it hasn't happened for a long time and hopefully we can do it.

"I think we are at a level with Celtic and Rangers and, if we can compete with them, I don't see why not.

"If you look at this season, I think we caught them off guard. But, all credit to Celtic, they pulled away."