Brown keen Hearts atone for cup exit

HEARTS assistant Billy Brown insisted today that his side can make the most of their shock Scottish Cup exit - by focusing 100 per cent on pushing the Old Firm all the way in the league.

The Tynecastle side were stunned on Tuesday night as they crashed out in the fourth round at the hands of St Johnstone, thanks to a late goal from Perth sub Peter MacDonald.

While Brown conceded that the result had been hugely disappointing for the management, playing staff and club's supporters, he believes Hearts can forget about their early exit by making sure that season 2010-11 is one to remember come the end of May.

Brown said: "There's a long way to go and if we can continue our league form then there is no reason why we can't stay up there. We can concentrate on the league fully now.

"We've got a very difficult period ahead but, if after that we are still in the position we are now, still third and not many points behind the Old Firm, then we can have a good end to the season.

"The better that you do, the more teams set themselves up to stop you playing."

Brown warned that if his side are to get back on track with a good result in the SPL against Dundee United today, they will have to put the shackles on Tannadice hitman David Goodwillie.

Goodwillie has been linked with moves to Rangers and to clubs south of the Border during the January transfer window and Brown added: "He's still a young lad and has scored a lot of goals.

"He's a good player and puts himself about. We'll have to watch him carefully."