AEK ATHENS coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer hopes his club's good record against Scottish sides can work in their favour against Hearts.

The Greeks have dumped Rangers and Hibs out of Europe in recent years and the Spaniard is keen to claim another scalp.

Hearts have been paired with AEK in the third round of the Champions League qualifiers with a place in the lucrative group stages at stake.

Former Real Betis coach Ferrer has only recently taken over the Athens hotseat, replacing Fernando Costa Santos who left for Benfica.

And after being told of AEK's winning streak against Scottish sides, he said: "I don't believe traditions count for anything - unless they are good.

"So now I've been told AEK Athens have a good tradition against Scottish clubs I am hoping it can work in our favour for this tie."

AEK are closing in on AC Milan's former Chelsea midfielder Sam Dalla Bona and hope to have him signed for the Hearts clash.

They also have Rangers flop Emerson in their ranks and Ferrer added: "This is a difficult tie and it's 50-50.

"We will treat Hearts with the respect they deserve.

"But we are really excited about the prospect of making the group stages.

"Hearts won't have more passion or will than us to get through because there is great determination in our squad."

Hearts' last chance to see their Euro rivals in action before the first leg on August 8 or 9 is Tuesday's friendly between AEK and Benfica at the Olympic Stadium in Athens.

Taken from the Sunday Mail