Nathaniel Atkinson insists Hearts will ‘only get bigger’ as he targets silverware following their European run.
The right back returned to the side as Hearts bowed out of their Europa Conference League campaign in a 3-1 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir, netting a consolation goal in the tie. The Australian international latched onto a Lawrence Shankland effort and netted a tap-in to score his second goal this season.
Ultimately it was another defeat against a side miles ahead of Hearts in terms of riches, with the Jambos also struggling to lay a glove on Italian cracks Fiorentina in the group. But Atkinson believes Hearts will continue to build and ‘bridge the gap’ on top European clubs.
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He said: “We made a cup final last year and hopefully we can build on that. If we can start winning trophies like that, it will help us move forward and get the right recruitment we need.
“We have a great side at the moment but with a lot of injuries. Winning games and bringing more success year in and year out will be good for the club financially. The club is only going to get bigger.
The Aussie admits he endured ‘sleepless nights’ after suffering an injury last month in Florence and admits he thought his World Cup dream was at risk
The Australian international suffered an injury last month in Florence and admits he ‘endured sleepless nights’ as he thought his World Cup dream was over.
He says returning to Robbie Neilson’s side was a “weight off my shoulders” and was boosted by grabbing his goal.
He added to the Edinburgh Evening News: “You get that glimmer of hope that you can get back in time. That gives you motivation to do everything possible to get back in the team.
“To get back into the Hearts team in a European game and score a goal is good for myself and a definitely confidence boost.”
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