Robbie Neilson admits the main driver behind Hearts creating history and reaching the Europa League group stages is their loyal fans.
The Jambos face a massive night under the lights at a sold out Tynecastle this evening as they bid to secure a spot in the tournament proper of the second tier competition. Lawrence Shankland was on target from the spot last week as the Gorgie side lost out 2-1 to Swiss champions FC Zurich. That result has left the tie finely poised ahead of tonight's return, with boss Neilson saying the Hearts fans deserve the big European nights more than any others in the world because of what they have went through in recent times.
Regardless of the outcome this evening, the capital club are guaranteed group stage football with the Europa Conference League already in the bag, but all focus will be on reaching the Europa League. Speaking about the fans, Neilson said: "It’s probably the biggest driver for us all at the club, from the playing staff, coaching staff, out of any fans in the world they probably deserve it more than any because they put their hands in their pocket and saved the club, administration, demotion, coming back up again, top six, European football and last week was brilliant just to see the fans over in Switzerland.
"Hopefully the ones that could not make it enjoy it. We’ve got another three trips away and three home games and we’ve certainly earned it."
Rangers picked up a stunning win over Dutch giants PSV last night to join Celtic in the Champions League group stage. That means Scottish football has two teams competing at Europe's top table and Hearts will be going all out to continue that feel good factor.
Asked what it would mean for Scottish football should Hearts dump FC Zurich out to reach the next stage, he added: “I think it is absolutely brilliant for Scottish football, as a nation but obviously individually for the clubs.
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"Rangers and Celtic are used to getting in there, we aren’t. So for us to get the experience of travelling to games, playing against different teams, will hold them in good stead for the rest of their careers and also this season.
"Hopefully they see the levels they need to get to to be able to continue to progress.”
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