Hartley prepared for Europe test

The Edinburgh club face Shakhtyor of Belarus or Siroki Brijeg of Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the first leg at Murrayfield on 25 or 26 July.

The midfielder said: "Going to places like Belarus or Bosnia is hard, but we're at home first, which is helpful.

"We'll be ready from pre-season and can take a good lead with us over there."

Hearts are presently training in France before heading to Austria for pre-season games.

The Tynecastle club earned their place in Europe's elite competition after finishing second in the Bank of Scotland Premier League last season.

However, their forthcoming European campaign will see them stage their home ties at nearby Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby.

"We still have a few players in the squad who have played at Murrayfield before so that will help us, as well as having the backing of a big crowd," added Hartley.

Although the game - Hearts' debut appearance in the Champions League - takes place right at the beginning of the new season, the Scotland player feels the hunger in the squad will drive them on.

"Everyone at the club knows how important Champions League football is and I know the fans will back us, just as they did in huge numbers for the Scottish Cup final."

If Hearts play Siroki Brijeg, it will not be their first trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina, as they edged past Zeljeznicar of Sarajevo in a Uefa Cup tie in 2003.

And, as Hartley recalls, it was far from an easy draw.

"Although we did have a good win at home, I remember the second leg over there was very physical," he added.

"I would expect a similar kind of game this time around for us."

Taken from the BBC