Robbie Neilson, the Hearts defender, knows that today's match against Falkirk at Tynecastle is going to make or break their season.

After a campaign to forget for the Tynecastle side, during which they even flirted with relegation for a spell, the full-back is hoping his team can put it behind them and is looking to next year already.

Neilson said: "This has been the most disappointing season for me since I came here. It's not good enough to be at this stage in the season and talking about hoping to get into the top six."

Neilson is sure that after a permanent manager is appointed, next season will be better for the Tynecastle team. He backed caretaker manager Steve Frail, and highlighted their upturn in form since he was given autonomy of team selection.

"Since Stevie Frail came in there has been a real turnaround," said Neilson. "We were sitting second bottom and now we're talking about qualifying for the top six. If he had come in earlier, we possibly could be further up the league. Hopefully we will appoint someone before next season starts, and as soon as possible.

"If we're looking to attract players, we need to have a manager in place. Hopefully Stevie will get the job and we'll know what we're coming back to, so we can build towards the new season. Then when pre-season comes around we've got a steady base to work from."

The Scotland cap is aware it is his side that will have to do the chasing today, in what is a must-win game for Hearts. Falkirk are currently three points ahead of the Gorgie side with only three games left before the split. He added: "It's the most important match so far in the season. If we don't win we're really going to be struggling for the top six."

Falkirk goalkeeper Robert Olejnik, however, is confident his side can take the points after last week's 1-0 victory over Inverness. He said: "It was a good result for us last weekend but this game is even bigger now because if we win it we're in with a good shout of making the top six.

"We just want to get the result but we know that we're three points clear with a better goal difference at the moment. Within the dressing room it was always our target to make the top six and to make progress from last season."