HEARTS sporting director Joe Savage insists he wants the Tynecastle club to be challenging Celtic and Rangers for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Jambos finished clear in third place last term and as a result, have guaranteed European group stage football until December.

Now Savage, who is responsible for bringing players into the club, wants to take his side to the next level.

He told Sky Sports: "I want to win the league. That is my personal ambition. People can call me deluded for that.

"It is eleven men vs eleven men on a pitch and if we are organised and we train properly like Robbie and his coaching staff do, then I think there is every chance we can do that.

"Am I saying it is going to happen in the next year or two or three? Probably not. But why am I here?

"Finishing third sounds good but why do you not want to try and win the league? Why don't we try and get as close to them as we possibly can.

"I know it is going to be difficult. I am not saying we are going to do it any time soon, but that is the ultimate ambition.

"That is what I say to the players when we are trying to sign them. Come here and help us split then, help us get there.

"It might not happen but it won't be for a lack of trying."