Linfield boss David Healy has warned Hearts to be careful what they wish for after being paired with them or FC Zurich in Europe.
The Jambos will play the winners of the Europa League third qualifying round fixture in the playoff round. The first leg takes place tonight, with Linfield hosting the Swiss champions at Windsor Park before heading to Switzerland next week. The victors will visit Tynecastle on Thursday, August 25 after hosting the Gorgie Boys on August 18.
Robbie Neilson reacted to the draw by saying he fancied his team’s chances against either. A win over two legs would see them into the group stage, while defeat would mean dropping into the same round in the Europa Conference League. Zurich are the favourites to progress after being eliminated from the Champions League by FK Qarabag, Linfield shocked Bodo/Glimt with a 1-0 first leg win in their qualifier, but were destroyed 8-0 in Norway.
But Healy agrees that Hearts would be tipped to overcome Linfield if they go through, but has warned Neilson that he perhaps shouldn’t be so confident at the prospect of facing Zurich.
“Zürich have our focus first and foremost as getting through any round in Europe is a challenge,” said the Linfield boss. "If it’s to be Hearts, I’m sure it would be great for both clubs.
“Their manager is quoted as saying he would fancy his chances and perhaps rightly so. If they think it’s a good draw for them when they may even play Zürich then I'm not sure about that.
“Hearts finished third in the Scottish Premiership while Zürich were Swiss champions. Put a Scotland v Switzerland game on and the Swiss would be favourites. Teams need to be careful what they wish for. We will take care of the Zürich game and see where that takes us.”
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