Robbie Neilson admits he will make changes to his Hearts side and is already targeting a return NEXT season.
The Jambos head into their final group game in Istanbul already knowing they can't qualify as they look to sign off from their Europa Conference League adventure on a high. They've defeated RFS home and away to secure two wins in the section with tonight's opponents and Fiorentina the others in a tough section. It's been a competition that has brought valuable, but also harsh lessons, for the capital club as they continue learning at this level.
Nathaniel Atkinson is back from injury while key defensive duo Kye Rowles and Craig Halkett are back in training - but they won't be rushed back before they are ready to avoid any potential breakdown and further time out on the injury table. Speaking in his media conference, Neilson said: “Of course, we’re looking forward to the game tomorrow night, but we’re already thinking about getting back here next season.
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“We’ve tasted it. Learn some good lessons. Also learnt some harsh lessons. We’ve got a lot of fans coming over to Istanbul so it’s important we put on a performance for them. The last couple of performances have been very good. We’ve shown energy and hunger.
“There’ll be a few changes to the team tomorrow because we’ve got some big games coming up in the league before he head to the World Cup break but it’ll still be a strong Hearts side we put out.
“We’re starting to get there with injuries. We’ve been able to get Atkinson back in and Rowles and Halkett are back in training. They key is not to push them too far before they’re ready. We did that with Halkett before a European game and he broke down.
“We’re always learning.”
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