Robbie Neilson fancies Hearts' probabilities after being drawn in opposition to both Linfield or Zurich within the Europa League playoff spherical.
The Jambos have been within the hat for this afternoon's draw and now know who stands between them and a spot within the group stage. Defeat will nonetheless see them drop into the group stage of the Europa Convention League, guaranteeing European soccer till a minimum of November, however that might be a comfort prize in comparison with the advantages that can come from beating both.
The Tynecastle workforce face a wait to search out out which of their opponents might be heading to Gorgie. The third qualifying spherical first legs happen this Thursday, with the return fixtures scheduled for Thursday, August 9 and 11. As soon as these are out of the way in which, Neilson's facet can begin getting ready for his or her huge nights on Thursday, August 18 and 25 respectively. After being drawn second, Hearts will journey to both Belfast or Zurich earlier than welcoming their opponents to Tynecastle. They face champions Celtic at Parkhead in between each legs.
Neilson is pleased with the draw, however harassed that the main focus should stay on this Sunday's Edinburgh derby in opposition to Hibs at Easter Highway. He stated: "It is a good draw for us. One or the opposite could be nice. At the start we have got a derby and it is nice that we now have that [European game] to sit up for in a few weeks’ time however we have got to care for the derby first.
"Till the World Cup break, we will be enjoying lots of soccer, therefore we ready in pre-season by enjoying A Wednesday and a Saturday again to again. So the boys are prepared for it. It is the place we wish the membership to be. It is an ideal alternative for us to get into the Europa League in opposition to one in every of these groups. We fancy ourselves to win that sport and if we are able to try this, then it will likely be good for the membership."
Neilson after all struck a dramatic late winner the final time Hearts have been in Switzerland, surprising FC Basel on their very own patch again in 2004. "That was a very long time in the past that!" He informed Hearts TV. "However hopefully we are able to emulate that. It might be fantatsic."
The draw for the group stage will happen the day after the second leg matches have been performed. Ought to they fail to progress, then the group stage draw for the Europa Convention League will happen the identical day.
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