Hearts fit to tackle Europe

HEARTS star Robbie Neilson has revealed that he and his team-mates have run themselves into the ground in their bid for Champions League glory but stressed that the most important work will be done over the next two matches.

The Gorgie club have spared no expense in their pre-season preparations, enjoying training camps in both France and Austria as they prepare for a shot at qualifying for the lucrative group stages of Europe's premier club competition.
Ten days aboard a luxury cruise ship chartered by owner Vladimir Romanov were followed up by another ten days in Austria, during which time the Jambos played three bounce games.

Double training sessions were the order of the day during their time on the continent as the Capital club ensured they are in peak physical condition for the second round qualifier against either Bosnian side Siroki Brijeg or Belarussian outfit Shakhtyor Soligorsk at the end of this month.

Indeed, so intense were the Tynecastle team's preparations that Neilson, the longest serving player at the club, has admitted that many of the players felt jaded during their final game of the tour, a 1-1 draw with FC Ecomax Cluj. However, he insisted that the performance in that clash and in the other two friendlies is of little importance.

"The boys did look tired on Wednesday because it's been a hard few weeks for us," admitted the defender.

"I think that showed in our performance but our time in Austria was nothing but a fitness exercise for us.

"We were unbeaten so we have to take the positives from that, although working on the fitness was always the main aim.

"Everybody was very tired after the last game.

"It was disappointing to lose such a late goal, particularly one as cheap as that, but these things happen.

"It's been a demanding time because we had double sessions every day in Austria and if you include France it's been 20 days of double sessions.

"Our fitness is good now and from now on it's all about getting the match sharpness up to scratch in preparation for the Champions League.

"That'll be a bit harder but it's vital we get up to speed."

And Neilson believes it's only now that his side should be judged on their performances, starting with tomorrow's trip to face English Championship side Preston North End at Deepdale followed by a game with Osasuna at Murrayfield.

The Lilywhites only just missed out on promotion to the Premiership last season, being beaten in the semi-final of the play-offs by Leeds United.

And, with Scotland internationalists Graham Alexander, Callum Davidson and Brian O'Neil on their books and new manager Paul Simpson to impress, they are likely to provide Hearts with their sternest test of the pre-season to date.

"These games, against teams from different countries, are geared up towards the Champions League," revealed Neilson.

"We'll play against different players, different styles and different formations and that can only help us. It's now that performances start to matter a bit more.

"I think we are probably ahead of schedule as we each had a programme to follow over the summer and all the lads have really looked after themselves.

"We've all come back pretty fit and when we did the bleep test everybody scored highly, which was good.

"Next up is the match fitness and with Preston then Osasuna over the next week or so, hopefully we can get ourselves going."

While the trip south of the Border to face Preston is at the forefront of the Hearts players' minds, it is their following match against Spanish aces Osasuna, who finished fourth in La Liga last season, that has caught the imagination of the club's support.

Billed as a Champions League Test with the Spaniards also in the qualifying rounds of the tournament, the match is being played at the home of Scottish Rugby - Murrayfield.

The Jambos are well acquainted with the ground, having played their UEFA Cup matches there two seasons ago.

And, despite reservations about such a move from a number of supporters, it was largely deemed to be a success with almost 30,000 fans turning out for Hearts' group game against Schalke.

But, since then, the Tynecastle team's playing staff has undergone a dramatic transformation, with a host of new faces having arrived and several more expected to sign on with the club before the game takes place next Wednesday.

And Neilson believes that the clash against Osasuna will not only play a part in helping his side reach the top of their game, but also aid the players who have never played there before they do so in a meaningful match.

"It will be nice for the lads that haven't played there to get that experience and a feel for the ground before we play a competitive game there," said the Scotland Future squad cap.

"I remember playing there in the group stages of the UEFA Cup when we got 30,000 people and the atmosphere was great.

"If we can get that sort of number again I actually think Murrayfield can be an advantage for us and help us along.

"Everything has to be geared towards those Champions League matches at the moment because they are so important."

Taken from the Scotsman