Defensive approach no option for Mikoliunas

THERE wasn't the same big-game atmosphere at Murrayfield on Wednesday despite the presence of almost double the number of fans who could squeeze into Tynecastle - but there was a big-game attitude.

Missing Paul Hartley's cut and thrust from midfield, Hearts kept the head until the first goal came and played astutely to extend the lead and, importantly, keep a clean sheet.

Without the penetration through the middle of the park, it was the wide men who were put under most pressure to find a way round the back of the visiting defence and if the same tactic is relied upon in Bosnia, second-half substitute Saulius Mikoliunas hopes he gets the chance to shoulder the responsibility.

The 22-year-old who has developed a rapport with the Tynecastle fans since joining, initially on a six-month contract, played in the Champions League qualifying phase with Kaunas against Sliema Wanderers and Djurgardens. Now though, he is vying with his countryman Deividas Cesnauskis for a starting berth as Hearts try to reach the next round.

"I think we will play, not just sit. We will play normal and like today we will go attacking and play normal football," said the Lithuanian winger.

"One goal will probably see us go through and of course it would be great to play from the start but we have a lot of great players and I just need to show that I can play. But, it's different, I'm a young player and I have not so many games in Europe."

Which is why the absence of a player as integral as Hartley is being so keenly felt, according to the youngster. An international player, it's the Scot's mental and physical drive which is missed in the really big games.

"We were getting nervous," he says, eyes widening and exhaling to stress the point. "But it's great that we score one and then the second and we were more relaxed and then we score the third goal. We miss Paul Hartley very much but maybe after two or three weeks he will be back. He is training with the physios and he is training and working hard and he wants to help the team in Europe."

For that to happen the rest of the squad will have to safely negotiate the return leg against Siroki Brijeg to set up the third qualifying stage match against AEK Athens.

"Everybody knows we were under pressure but now this is a great result for us. No, it's not over yet but it's good that we have a 3-0 lead to go there but we do not need to think we are already through. I just looked today at what teams we can play if we do [continue to progress] and all the teams are fantastic teams in the next rounds so it will be difficult." It is a challenge about which everyone at the club is realistic. Given their lack of Champions League pedigree, simply making the group stages would be considered a remarkable achievement. It is one Mikoliunas and most of his team-mates have been dreaming about since last season's 1-0 win over Aberdeen confirmed second place.

"I like Arsenal and Barcelona and Real Madrid, so it would be good to play against them. But we just need to keep going and when you are playing you get confidence," says Miko, who will now be looking for the chance to win a starting berth and build on his own.

Taken from the Scotsman