Hearts took a giant step towards Champions League football next season with a 3-0 demolition of Celtic in a pulsating Bank of Scotland Premier clash at Tynecastle today.

A Stephen McManus own goal after seven minutes and a wonderful Paul Hartley free-kick two minutes later had the SPL champions rattled before the break and when Roman Bednar made it three after the interval there was no way back for the champions.

The Jambos are four points ahead of third-placed Rangers with just two games remaining. The pair meet on the final day of the season, but the race for second could well be resolved by then.

Defeat for Rangers at Hibs on Tuesday would hand Hearts second, while even if the Gers win that game, the Gorgie-based club can secure the runners-up spot by beating Aberdeen at home on Wednesday.