Defender Ismael Bouzid today insisted a top-six target is not good enough for Hearts this season, with the players gunning for third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Edinburgh club finished a disappointing sixth in the table last time out and the Algerian international is determined to help the Jambos seize the 'best of the rest' crown this term.

Recent campaigns have seen the Gorgie outfit fail to meet expectations but the former Galatasaray stopper sees no reason why Hearts cannot mount a more meaningful challenge under boss Jim Jefferies.

"We finished in the top six last season but I think we can do better," he told the broadcast media at today's pre-match press conference at Riccarton.

"We have quality young players here and I hope we have a better season as we have the quality to do well.

"The chance is there to have a better finish. The top six cannot be the target - we must be looking at third spot. Who knows, maybe even the top spot. Anything can happen in football and you have to have the belief you can do well."

Ismael has recovered well from a suspected fractured skull suffered in the friendly against Millwall in London, and stepped up his bid to make Saturday's trip to Hamilton with another outing behind closed doors against East Fife on Tuesday night.

Suspended for the season opener against St Johnstone, the 27-year-old is keeping his fingers crossed he'll get the nod from JJ at New Douglas Park.

"I am very happy to be back and am better now," he said.

"I am happy to be in the training and ready, maybe, for my first game. The first games were bad for us and Hamilton. They will want to show something for their fans but we want to take the points as well and for this I think it will be a good game."

On Hearts.TV today, don't miss JJ's pre-match press conference IN FULL from Riccarton.