SWITCH WILL NOT AFFECT HEARTS

By Ronnie Esplin, PA Sport

Hearts defender Takis Fyssas insists the side will not miss the intimidating and atmospheric Tynecastle when they take on Siroki Brijeg in their Champions League qualifier at Murrayfield.

The Edinburgh side are in Europe's premier club competition for the first time but will play the first leg of the second qualifying round at the home of Scottish rugby in order to capitalise financially from a bigger gate than their 18,000-capacity home ground.

With an estimated crowd of only 25,000 set to turn up at the 67,500-capacity stadium, the Jambos will obviously lose out on the intimidatory factor Tynecastle is renowned for.

Fyssas played down the possible loss of an advantage, saying: "I have to admit we had a very good season at Tynecastle, we had a good record, the fans were close to us and helped us through the 90 minutes.

"But I think the fans will help us against Siroki and we don't want to make excuses about a bigger or smaller stadium.

"We just have to be focused about the game, we play 11 against 11 and we have the fans and that will be the power for us.

"It is a big opportunity for us but we must enjoy it.

"We will be under pressure about the result because I know these things happen but I believe we are ready to play against them and we have the thirst to win."

Although the Edinburgh side are strong favourites to go through into the third qualifier, which is drawn on Friday, the Greek defender urged caution against the Bosnian champions.

He said: "First of all we have to take care of our defence. These games are very dangerous and I don't want to start very offensively and try and get three or four goals.

"If that happens I will be very happy but first of all we have to play with discipline and after the game we will see the result."

Taken from sportinglife.com