Jim Jefferies today insisted that Hearts should always be targeting a European place - because the Tynecastle outfit is a big club in Scotland.

Hearts head to Hamilton on Saturday seeking their first victory of the season, and JJ knows that expectations are once again high that the men in maroon will have a good campaign.

"It is not about my targets," the manager told the media at his weekly news conference earlier today.

"It is about what Hearts expect. We are expected to be up there at the top end of the table putting in a challenge like Dundee United did last year.

"We need to be around the European places at the end of the season - regardless of who the manager is.

"We've got to make sure we're there and competing for it.

"It's not going to be easy, because plenty of other teams have the same aspirations but we're a bit club and we need to be there."

Meanwhile, JJ will assess Stephen Elliott's fitness ahead of the weekend trip to Hamilton after tomorrow morning's session.

The former Sunderland forward missed training this morning after picking up a hamstring strain in the closed door game against East Fife, and is receiving treatment ahead of a possible return to action.

Kevin Kyle is available for selection, whilst Ismael Bouzid is back in the squad after suspension.

David Obua, Gary Glen and Andrew Driver will miss out through injury, whilst Ryan Stevenson and Eggert Jonsson are still suspended.

On Hearts.TV today - Catch JJ's one-to-one exclusive plus the manager and Ismael Bouzid talking to the media at this week's pre-match news conference