Neilson wants to split Old Firm

Neilson recently returned following a six month absence through injury

Robbie Neilson says Hearts should set their sights on splitting the Old Firm following Saturday's 2-1 victory over Rangers at Tynecastle.

The victory consolidated third spot in the Scottish Premier League, but Neilson thinks they can go one better.

"Everyone's always saying why not get third place, but why not aim for second place?" the defender told BBC Sport.

"We've proven we can match them and hopefully we can keep the run going and push up as far as we can."

The 28-year-old full-back returned to action for Hearts in November following six months out with a stomach complaint and an Achilles problem.

Hearts' win against Rangers was their fifth successive victory in the SPL and saw the Tynecastle side narrow the gap at the top end of the table on second-placed Rangers to seven points.

Hearts are in third just now, so how close can they get to the Old Firm? Scotland manager George Burley

However, while points against the Old Firm are a bonus in the league campaign, Neilson believes the key to success in the SPL lies in consistent performances against other clubs and maintaining form away from home.

"Rangers and Celtic go to away grounds and pick up three points with scrappy wins, but it's three points and, at the end of the season, it mounts up," said Neilson.

"There's no point of raising your game for the Old Firm teams or just doing it at home - it's about doing it week-in, week-out.

"So it's down to us to do that."

Meanwhile, former Hearts manager George Burley has predicted another exciting finale to the SPL title race, despite holders Celtic having established a seven-point lead over Rangers.

The championship was decided on the final day last season and the Scotland manager said: "Last year, what a tremendous finish it was right to the end and it could be the same again this year - who knows?

"It's still early and it's still very competitive. For me, Scottish football will always be like that.

"Hearts are in third just now, so how close can they get to the Old Firm? There is a long way to go, but I'm sure it will be competitive to the end."