Hearts returned to winning ways in the Premiership as they picked up a big confidence boosting win ahead of their Europa League showdown with FC Zurich.
Robbie Neilson's men suffered late heartache in the Edinburgh derby last weekend at Easter Road as Martin Boyle - who had just returned to the club less than 24 hours before - climbed off the bench to fire past Craig Gordon with the last kick of the game. Lawrence Shankland had put the Jambos ahead with his first goal for the club before the late, late goal.
Another victory today over a hurting Dundee United side took the tally to seven points from a possible nine so far as the capital club get set to juggle European and domestic matters. A lot of Thursday-Sunday football is on the horizon with the Gorgie men guaranteed group stage football. Should Hearts lose out in the play-off two legged tie they will drop into the Europa Conference League with at minimum eight games on the big stage.
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READ MORE: Hearts' rivals FC Zurich sit bottom as they strike late in basement clash in Europa League warm up
Here is what we learned from Tynecastle as the Jambos make it two from two on their own turf thanks to strikes from Shankland, Barrie McKay, Jorge Grant and Josh Ginnelly in a 4-1 win over Dundee United. Ex-Hibs man Steven Fletcher fired home from the penalty spot for the visitors.
Fast start
Lawrence Shankland doubled his tally for Hearts with less than a minute on the clock.
After a 7-0 thumping in the Netherlands against AZ Alkmaar it is the last thing Dundee United would have wanted.
And of course, it would be their former star striker who would come back to haunt them.
The Tangerines sold him in a seven-figure deal before making the return to Scotland under Robbie Neilson.
Fortress Tynecastle
That's now two wins from two league games at Tynecastle.
For another successful campaign this time around Hearts will need to maintain high levels, especially at home.
It's the perfect start in front of the Hearts faithful.
Can they transform that home domestic form onto the European stage under the lights?
Time will tell with FC Zurich due in the capital a week on Thursday after this coming week's first game in Switzerland.
Squad goals
Hearts' squad will start to be tested as the Thursday-Sunday football gets set to begin.
It's FC Zurich on Thursday before a trip to face Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday.
They then face the Europa League return before hosting St Johnstone in the capital.
Today's win is the first of six matches between now and the end of August.
Neilson's summer recruitment drive will come into full focus now with the additional games meaning for more squad rotation.
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