Hearts summer recruit Jorge Grant has revealed playing European football was one of the key factors behind his move to the capital.
Robbie Neilson brought in the midfielder from English League One outfit Peterborough United and he got off the mark with his first competitive goal in front of the Tynecastle faithful in the big win over Dundee United on Sunday.
The Jambos have started the new Scottish Premiership campaign with seven points from a possible nine and head into their Europa League play-off clash with FC Zurich full of confidence. Victory in the two-legged tie and the Gorgie side will enter the tournament proper of the second tier competition, defeat and they have the added incentive of knowing they are guaranteed Europa Conference League football at absolute minimum. Starring on the European stage as well as playing in the top level of Scottish football was an opportunity for Grant to get out his comfort zone and a decision he is 'delighted' he made.
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READ MORE: Hearts' rivals FC Zurich sit bottom as they strike late in basement clash in Europa League warm up
He has also hailed the Tynecastle atmosphere and the big part it could play in next week's return should Hearts return from Switzerland with a positive result. He said: “It’s nice to get off the mark. I was hoping to get it as early as possible. Hopefully I can get some more now.
“When I was making the decision, I could have gone back to League One and done the same thing that I’ve done for the whole of my career.
“This opportunity was something that is completely different. It was a step out of my comfort zone, playing in Europe and playing in the SPFL.
“I’m delighted with my decision. I’ve found it good, very easy to settle. The lads have been great.
"Tynecastle is very similar to what Forest was like when I was there as a young player. When the crowd is with you, it’s a top atmosphere.
“Both games I’ve had in the league there have been really good and enjoyable. You can tell it’s a massive advantage having the crowd in a stadium like this. If we go to Zurich and get a good result, anything can happen.”
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