Cammy Devlin admits he is drawing inspiration from last season’s showdown with Zurich - a match that ultimately ended in defeat - as Hearts attempt to overturn a one-goal deficit on Rosenborg.
Just under a year ago, the home team threw the proverbial kitchen sink at the Swiss as they looked to cancel out the 2-1 loss from the first leg and reach the Europa League group stages.
They trail Rosenborg by the same score ahead of their Europa Conference League third qualifying round return leg at a sellout Tynecastle.
Devlin still regards the dominant opening 45 minutes against Zurich as the best he has experienced in a Hearts jersey, although their inability to find the net came back to haunt them as visitors scored late in the second half following Jorge Grant’s dismissal.
“I was actually thinking about that Zurich game the other night because it was a similar feeling, coming home a goal behind from the first leg,” said the Australia international.
"I think that first half was probably the best we have played as a team since I’ve been at the club.
“We put them under so much pressure but if you don’t score goals you don’t win games and then the red card changed everything.
“But it’s a similar sort of feeling in that we are down by a goal and we need a win to go through.
“I honestly can’t wait and I know the boys are all super excited as well.”
Unlike in the Zurich tie when Hearts dropped into the group stages of Europe’s tertiary competition, there is no fall back option this time.
"But you don’t prepare any differently,” said Devlin.
“You don’t go into a game thinking you have a fallback. You go in to win the game and tonight will be the exact same.
“Last year we had the luxury of being able to lose the tie and being in the group stages of the Conference League.
“This year we don’t, so we need to win. It’s as simple as that.”
Given that Hearts look susceptible to Roseborg’s counter attacking in Norway - indeed the second goal came from a breakaway - head coach Frankie McAvoy insists patience is key this evening.
McAvoy, however, is well aware it is an attribute that football fans are not renowned for.
“We know where we got done last week with them hitting us in transitions,” said McAvoy,
“We need to be mindful of that. Patience is probably a big thing we need from people within the stadium because they are a good team.
“We need to make sure that, in the big moments, we pick the right choices, the right pass, the right runs to hopefully get in behind them and create more scoring opportunities. That was probably the disappointing thing from the first leg and from Sunday [against Kilmarnock].
“As long as our players and staff are aware of bringing patience to the game. It’s important you have the support behind you and that they know it sometimes takes time to break down good teams.”
McAvoy, meanwhile, admits he was not concerned by reports linking captain and striker Lawrence Shankland with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Two clubs from the oil-rich country are thought to be keen on the 28-year-old, who scored last week in Norway.
“Joe Savage (sporting director) and Steven Naismith (technical director) deal with recruitment and transfers.
“As far as I’m concerned, he hasn’t intimated to me that he wants to move on. I’m not surprised if there is speculation regarding him because he’s a top player and he’s our captain.
“I would expect interest, if I’m honest, but nothing I’m aware of at the moment. He’s our captain and hopefully he is available to lead our line on Thursday.”
McAvoy, however, did confirm that Hearts were keen to sign versatile defender Odel Offiah, nephew of rugby league legend Martin, on loan from Brighton.
He added: “We’ve looked at him. He is a big, strong, powerful defender who is quick and he is one we are interested in getting through the door.
“Joe and Naisy will deal with the recruitment side of things but we like him and, if we can get him in here, we think he will be a good asset to the squad.”
