Elton Kabangu adamant Hearts will reach Premiership top six before split

Elton Kabangu believes in-form Hearts will be in the top six in time for the William Hill Premiership split.

The Jambos had a poor start to the campaign and were bottom on December 22 but – after losing just one of their last 10 – they are now seventh in the table, just a point below St Mirren, who they host on Wednesday.

Kabangu has played a big part in establishing Hearts as one of the form teams in the division since his arrival on loan from Union Saint-Gilloise at the start of January.

With six games before the split, the Belgian has no doubt that Neil Critchley’s side are set to be battling for a European place rather than fighting against relegation.

“We will be in the top six,” the forward said.

“That’s the objective and I think we will be in it. I think we are good enough to be in it.”

Kabangu’s confidence is understandable given his own form since his switch to Scotland from Belgium last month.

The 27-year-old is already Hearts’ top scorer this season with seven goals – including three doubles – from his seven appearances.

“It feels good but it means also that the team adapts to my playing style and that I adapt really good to the team,” he said.

“I can only say credit to the team because they help me and they give me confidence.

“The staff as well. For me, it’s more credit to them because they welcome me very well. Until now, it’s been positive but it’s not done. We have things to achieve.

“Like I said, top six, we have still cup games. It’s good to start well but it’s better to end also good.”

Kabangu’s latest brace came in Sunday’s hard-fought 2-1 win at St Johnstone after a pep talk from boss Critchley helped him bounce back from missing a string of chances in the previous weekend’s 3-1 home defeat by Rangers.

“As a team we did a good game but after the game individually I blamed myself a little bit for missing a lot of chances,” he said of his difficult afternoon against Rangers.

“There are some games where you don’t score and you miss a lot of chances.

“I was a little bit frustrated because I want to do well. The manager directly backed me and I spoke to him and he gave me a lot of confidence.

“From the day we spoke, I just moved forward and I wanted to play the next games and to make things right because I know I can do it.

“I know I will also score against Rangers, hopefully this season.”

Hearts have an option to make Kabangu’s move to Tynecastle permanent.

Asked if he had any clarity on his future beyond this summer, he said: “No. It’s a little bit cliche, but now we have things to achieve with the team and for myself as well.

“I’m looking forward to the next games and the future is too far away.”