Hearts players were today celebrating the club's Europa League qualification for next season after sealing a third-place finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Jambos thumped Dundee United to secure a season's best victory - and performance.

After the game Hearts.TV spoke exclusively to the players and manager and the mood was one of buoyancy.

Penalty-taker Eggert Jonsson, who surprised everyone in stepping up to score the decisive third goal admitted he'd been shortlisted as a spot-kick specialist for much of the season, but that he'd not had the opportunity until the weekend.

"For the last two or three months I have been up on the sheet," the Icelandic defender revealed. "There has always been two names, but today it was just mine! I guess it was my turn and obviously the keeper went the wrong way!

"It is one step higher, a bigger stage and better quality. It is as great time for me to qualify for Europe. Hopefully we can do well and do well in the league next season."

Spanish sensation Ruben Palazuelos reckons he's got everything he needs at Hearts!

He said: "I am very happy because my performance was good and the team was good. It was not possible for me to play in he last three games but today the team played very good football and won 3-0.

"I am very happy because we now go to UEFA. This is the best for me. I play in a good team with good fans."

Bruno Aguiar felt Hearts fully deserved the third-place finish for a season of progress.

"I am very happy," the Portuguese star told Hearts.TV. "I think the team today made a fantastic game and we deserved the third place for making a fantastic season.

Departing defender Christos Karipidis thanked the Hearts supporters for their backing during his three years in Edinburgh.

"This was my best day in Edinburgh," the Greek said. "I am vey happy about the players, the fans and the manager.

"We had a difficult season but one game before the end we are happy and we celebration because we are going back to the UEFA Cup.

"One story is too little to say, but I want to say thank everyone. I did not have a problem for three years. I tried to give everything for the club and everyone saw this.

"I want people to stay together, to better and to go to the groups in UEFA and enjoy!"

On Hearts.TV today - World exclusive behind the scenes footage, highlights of the win over Dundee United, plus interviews with Laszlo, Burger, Neilson, Karipidis, Driver, Palazuelos, Aguiar and Jonsson!