Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay admits Robbie Neilson 's side have faced a European "learning curve" this season - but wants the campaign to be the first on many.
After dropping into the Europa Conference League after Europa League playoff defeat to FC Zurich, the Scottish Premiership side have found it tough suffering heavy defeats to Istanbul Basaksehir and Fiorentina at Tynecastle before the Serie A giants dished out a 5-1 thumping in Florence to the Jambos. Hearts must win against Rigas on matchday five of the Conference League to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.
Despite some disappointing results, the Hearts support have turned out in numbers for the fixtures and McKinlay was keen to recognise their backing for the club. He confesses there has been challenges in dealing with the fixture calendar but hopes to be back on the European stage next term.
