ROBBIE Neilson is hoping to spark Hearts back to life with some Spanish winter sun.
The Jambos jetted out to Malaga on Wednesday morning for a week-long training camp ahead of the Premiership resuming following the World Cup break.
The Tynecastle side start back with a home encounter with Kilmarnock before crucial away games against Dundee United and St Johnstone ahead of the New Year Edinburgh derby against rivals Hibs on January 2.
Neilson’s injury-affected side have endured an inconsistent opening to the league season as they bid to land the third place they clinched last term.
They currently sit fifth, four points adrift of Aberdeen and with only goal difference keeping them above St Johnstone and St Mirren.
But Neilson is confident of a better second half of the campaign and believes their Spanish trip will set the groundwork for the improvements needed.
He said: “It’s now about getting ready for the Kilmarnock game. We’ll get a good week’s training in Spain and get a couple of games as well.
“I’d like to progress as the next week to 10 days goes on so we’re ready for that first game coming back in.
“Spain gives us a chance to get back out there and get together again, and really kick on for the rest of the season.”
It is understood one of Hearts’ friendlies during their week in Andalucia will be against English Championship side Blackburn Rovers on Friday.
