Hearts defender Kye Rowles says qualification to the Europa League group stages would add an added buzz to a 2022 that could culminate in a spot at the World Cup.
The centre-back is in pole position to feature in the Socceroos defence this winter at Qatar 2022 after starring roles in their play-off triumphs. He'll hope for similar joy at Tynecastle tonight as Hearts look to turn around a 2-1 first leg deficit against Swiss champions FC Zurich in their Europa League play-off second leg, looking to book a lucrative group spot.
Rowles joined from A-League club Central Coast Mariners earlier this summer and has impressed in his early stages of Gorgie life, now looking to add European group experience to a CV he's excited to bolster: "This is one of the biggest games that I have been a part of. We’re ready to go and can not wait to get started. We are just focused on our game plan.
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“They were very dangerous on the counter and that’s something that we focused on after the first leg. As long as we shore up when they counter, we know we’ve got a chance.
"I can't wait for this period. It's going to be such an exciting few months. The main focus is tonight but coming here was my dream to play in these big European nights.
"This is hopefully just the first of many. I am super excited and I can't wait to take my opportunity if given it. Coming from where I was last year, it's a massive step up to playing local teams in Australia this time last year to playing in these massive qualifiers."
A sold-out home support awaits Rowles this evening and he says it's going to be a contrast to what he was used to down under, albeit his Australian play-off matches will provide some form of template.
He added: “I’ve only played a handful of games at Tynecastle, but I can already see that the atmosphere that they bring is next level. I enjoy every second and I’m sure tomorrow night is going to be an even greater experience.
"I think so (the Australian play-off games being a help) as it's a knockout situation. There's probably a few here who have been in that situation before.
"I think the boys will look around and lean on those players for experience. I will be leaning on the more senior boys to calm the nerves as well!
“You can see how much it means to everyone and to be out there in front of them is going to be special. We took plenty of positives from that first leg.
"We know what we have to do and we’re confident we can take the game to them and try and create positive passages of play. We’ll be focused for the full 90, knowing that if the opportunity comes, we’ll take it.”
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