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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
James Cairney

McAvoy convinced Hearts can overturn PAOK loss in second leg

Frankie McAvoy insists he saw enough from his Hearts side in their 2-1 defeat at home to PAOK in the Europa Conference League play-off to suggest they can win the return leg in Greece to progress to the group stage of the competition for the second season running.

A Lawrence Shankland penalty gave the capital club an early lead in Gorgie but their opponents levelled almost instantly through a spot-kick of their own before Andrija Zivkovic’s long-range second-half stunner sealed the win for the visitors.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and a tight affair,” said the Hearts head coach. “It was disappointing that we score then they get a penalty so early after.

“Then we score with Shanks and it’s elation, then it’s a sour note when it’s chopped off. Then they score from a corner.

“As for emotions, it’s disappointment with the result but in spells I felt our shape without the ball was really good. They try to hit on the counter and there were some pleasing moments.

“We know what we’ve got to do now - we’ve got to win the game and I believe that’s possible.

“I thought when we got into good areas we caused problems. First half their keeper made a fantastic save from Shanks and Boycey [Liam Boyce] so we know we’re creating chances. Our wide players could cause them issues.

“We've got a good squad. We’ll deal with Dundee as best we can then focus on Greece. We've come a long way since we’ve come in and the players have great belief in themselves. That's important going forwards and we’ll have that at the forefront of our minds.”

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