Hartley hailed as Hearts close in on Champions League spot

HEARTS interim manager Valdas Ivanauskas hailed midfielder Paul Hartley as the “best player in Scotland” after their 3-0 win over Celtic left the Edinburgh club one victory short of securing Champions League football next season.

Hartley’s inswinging free-kick after seven minutes was headed by Hoops defender Stephen McManus past his own keeper but the Scotland midfielder’s second set-piece from 25 yards two minutes later gave Parkhead goalkeeper Artur Boruc no chance.

A second-half strike by Roman Bednar clinched the three points against the champions and left Hearts needing only a win over Aberdeen on Wednesday to guarantee second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League.