Alan Forrest was on the scoresheet as Hearts rounded off their pre-season training camp in Spain with a 4-0 victory over FC Europa.
Technically, the first Hearts goal of the 2022/23 season came after just eight minutes when Connor Smith burst forward before moving the ball to Euan Henderson, and the number nine for the night turned a ball round the corner to put Gary Mackay-Steven in on goal, and he slotted home. Smith himself then went close with a strike across goal, but it drifted just wide.
The young midfielder was heavily involved though after an impressive loan campaign with Queen's Park last year. The tempo dropped as the game went on and no wonder. At 30 degrees, it's the hottest it's been all week and the players could be forgiven for feeling the pace in the Spanish sun.
A raft of changes were made at half-time, with those taken off at the break making straight for the ice bath. Lewis Neilson, Euan Henderson and Connor Smith were the only players who featured in the first 45 to return after the break.
There was a debut goal not long after the restart, with another new signing playing a big part. Neat interplay between Jorge Grant and Liam Boyce was rewarded with a fine finish by Alan Forrest, who sent a stylish finish into the back of the net to double the Jambo's advantage.
Liam Boyce was inches away from a third after Barrie McKay volleyed a cross back across goal. The Northern Irishman read his intention, but just couldn't stretch enough to tap home at the back post.
Forrest almost scored an individual second. He collected a short corner on the byline, turned, then beat two mean before firing at goal, but his near post effort was blocked.
There was no stopping his second and Hearts' fourth. Barrie McKay did brilliantly to drift away from two players before picking out Forrest. He then found the far top corner with a fine finish, even more impressive than his first.
Alan Forrest
Scored within a few minutes of coming on at right wing back. Took a touch and was composed after good set-up play by Boyce and Grant.
HIs second was even better, finding the top corner. Showed a constant willing to beat his man, as he apparently has in training, impressing his new teammates and coaches alike.
Was something of a surprise not to see him playing in the front three, but versatility will be important this season and the ability to fill in at right wing back will come in useful, especially if Nathaniel Atkinson is given extra time off after the World Cup with Australia.
Lewis Neilson
Slotted in on the right hand side of the back three and had a really impressive 45 minutes. Looked assured in possession bringing the ball out, and picked out Gary Mackay-Steven with a couple of brilliant raking cross-field passes.
Physically looked the part over 90 minutes, although wasn't required to do a massive amount of defending by the opposition. As Robbie Neilson has said, has all the attributes, it's just about developing now and seeing where it takes him at Hearts.
Alex Cochrane
A solid but unspectacular return to life in maroon for Cochrane. In his familairt left wing back position, his was more of a back up role as Mackay-Steven carried Hearts' main threat ahead of him.
HIs understanding with Stephen Kingsley that developed last season was evident again. There will be times one plays instead of the other next season due to injury and suspension, but their dovetailing was a big part of Hearts' success last season and Neilson will be looking for of the same.
Jorge Grant
Came on in the middle of the park at half-time and was almost immediately involved in the second goal. PLayed deeper than he probably will going forward.
But his eye for a pass and execution of them were clear to see. More than once he turned defence into attack with pinpoint balls to feet between the lines, which could be an effective weapon in the Jambos' arsenal against the more stubborn teams next season
Hearts first half: Stewart, M Smith, Neilson, Sibbick, Kingsley, Cochrane, C Smith, Devlin, Ginnelly, Mackay-Steven, Henderson.
Hearts second half:
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