Conor Sammon believes Hearts can challenge for the title

Conor Sammon believes Hearts fans can look forward to further success this coming season

The former Kilmarnock striker, who netted 17 goals in 65 appearances at Rugby Park, put pen to paper on a three-year deal with Hearts this week after securing an early release from his contract with Derby County.

Following last term’s third-place finish which secured European football in an impressive return to the top flight under Robbie Neilson, Sammon believes his new team-mates can kick on this time around.

“Definitely”, replied the Irishman when asked if Hearts could challenge. “For us as players, and for me coming into the group, you are just looking to improve the club from last season. Third position last season, so, absolutely, we want to be pushing to try and improve on that and to do well in Europe and go on a good run. That’s my objective and I have know doubt that the club have the same objective.”

Despite Rangers returning to the top tier for the first time since 2012, Sammon thinks there is scope for a club outside of the Old Firm to win the league for the first time since 1985.

“I see no reason why not,” he said. “From a neutral point of view, I think it was fantastic to see Aberdeen pushing and Hearts pushing so close, especially when people look at it on paper, especially down south, and think that Celtic or Rangers are going to win the league year in, year out. So, it was really good to see that the other clubs have stepped up, Hearts being one and Aberdeen being another, and there is no reason why we can’t do the same this season and push them.”