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What Hearts could earn with win over Petrocub and reaching Europa Conference League knockout play-off

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Hearts are on the brink of securing European football after Christmas for the first time since 1989.

The Jambos face Moldovan minnows Petrocub at Tynecastle on Thursday evening and winning the clash would guarantee qualification for the knockout play-off round.

Hearts began their league phase campaign with two straight wins over Dinamo Minsk and Omonoia Nicosia, which put them in a commanding position.

But momentum has tailed off since then as three consecutive defeats followed against Heidenheim, Cercle Brugge and last time out versus Copenhagen.

However, progression remains a very realistic prospect, as does the potential to bank more Europa Conference League prize money.

Hearts have already guaranteed a certain amount through participation fees and performance-related bonuses. So what could they add to the pot with victory over Petrocub and thus knockout play-off round qualification?

Not The Old Firm gives you an insight below.

Hearts v Aberdeen - Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images

What have Hearts earned so far?

After five Europa Conference League league phase games, Hearts have raked in around £3.295m in prize money.

That includes their participation fee and performance bonuses after the wins over Dinamo Minsk and Omonoia Nicosia.

What would victory over Petrocub be worth?

UEFA dish out bonus money for every win or draw a team gets in the Europa Conference League league phase. Hearts will bank another £332,672 if they earn three points against Petrocub.

That would guarantee knockout play-off round progression, which will give Hearts an extra £165,145.

The Tynecastle club’s final league position will then be known after Thursday night’s game and each position is worth a certain amount of prize money.

If Hearts finish between 9th and 24th, they are guaranteed anywhere between £300,461 and £647,148.

So by Friday morning, Hearts could have over £4m in guaranteed UEFA prize money if all goes well.