Robbie Neilson admitted Hearts had lost their spark - but insists an electric Tynecastle will see them burst back to life in Thursday’s Europa Conference League group stage opener.
The Jambos, who have now lost five of their last six and are yet to keep a clean sheet after nine games this season, opened brightly against Livingston. But after falling behind in the 28th minute they ran out of steam and ideas and didn't register a single shot on target.
Craig Halkett is set to return in defence when Mesut Ozil’s Istanbul Basaksehir arrive in Gorgie for the opening Group A game on Thursday. And ahead of that one, Neilson said: “There will be 20,000 fans there and it's European football. The most important thing for us is getting energy back in the group. We have five days to prepare now. Over the last week or two it's been relentless, now we have a wee bit of a break before the next match.
