WE'VE GOT TO AVOID A EURO FLOP

HEARTS hit man Edgar Jankauskas last night warned his side must avoid being victims of a Champion League humiliation like Celtic's defeat last season by Artmedia Bratislava.

The Jambos face a trip into the unknown when they launch their European glory bid next month.

They'll face either Shakhtyor Soligorsk from Belarus or Bosnian side Saroki Brijeg in the second qualifying round following the draw in Switzerland yesterday.

Artmedia, like Hearts' potential opponents, were virtually unknown over here and victory for Gordon Strachan's men looked a formality but they crashed 5-0 in Slovakia and lost 5-4 on aggregate.

Jankauskas said: "It only takes a loss of concentration and you are out of Europe like Celtic.

"We must try to deliver for Hearts because the club deserves it.I feel we can show we're capable of more than just playing in the SPL but the opposition will want the glory of the Champions League as well."

Shakhtyor entertain Siroki on July 11 or 12, with the return on July 18 or 19. The winners meet Hearts on July 25 or 26. The third-round draw takes place on July 28 and Hearts could get Liverpool or Arsenal.

Tynecastle owner Vladimir Romanov, right, will use all of his contacts in eastern Europe to get info on their rivals. HIBS will discover who they'll face next Sunday in the InterToto Cup when HB Torshavn of the Faroe Islands and Latvians Dinaburg Daugavpils meet today.

Mowbray's men will host the winners of that clash at Easter Road.

Rasmus Nolsoe's second-half strike earned Torshavn a 1-1 draw in the first leg and they have home advantage today.

Hibs director Garry O'Hagan and coach John Park travelled to Latvia to watch the first leg and Operations Advisor Jim Pryde will attend today's clash.

O'Hagan admits a game against Torshavn is the club's preferred option.

He said: "Logistically, obviously, the Faroe Islands would be easier in terms of travel."

Taken from the Daily Record