Hearts midfielder Oliver Bozanic insists the pain of the Scottish Cup final loss to Celtic can help drive the team to success in the forthcoming campaign.
The Australian made a second half substitute appearance in the agonising 2-1 defeat to the treble treble winners as the Gorgie outfit failed to capitalise on Ryan Edward’s opening strike.
The run in the competition made up for some of the disappointment of a Premiership campaign that saw Craig Levein’s side finish sixth, despite having led the table until November.
However, Bozanic believes the players will have had their appetites whetted by the experience of being so close to lifting silverware at Hampden last month.
Bozanic, who returns to pre-season training with the squad today said: “It was bitterly disappointing after the game but at the same time, especially for the players who have now had the first experience of a cup final, it will give them taste for success at the top level.
“I had been involved in a few, every player wants to play in cup finals and be at that level.Â
“It was an amazing day and experience but you want to be holding the trophy.
“I thought we had a very good performance and good opportunities to win the game.
“We worked hard on a game plan, it seemed to be working really well but you can’t account for some of the things in the game.”
Bozanic, meanwhile, is desperate to pin down a regular place in Levein’s side after making 19 starts in a total of 34 outings last term.
The 30-year-old, who joined on a two-year deal from Melbourne City 12 months ago, added: “I feel like I’ve adjusted, I really enjoyed my first season but for my myself as well I really want to be kicking on and playing every week.
“There are options in midfield, all over the park there is good depth so it’s about performing and staying in the team
“Everyone wants to be here fighting for positions and I hope we can kick on, learn and have a good season.”
