Robbie Neilson insists Hearts are on a Europa League mission to reward the fans who rescued their club during its darkest days.
The Tynecastle boss believes a full-house in Gorgie tonight can provide the driving force to overcome a 2-1 first-leg, play-off deficit and secure a group spot amongst some of the biggest names in the continent. Administration in 2013, demotion from the top-flight and two separate spells in the Championship over the last decade are fresh in Neilson 's mind and he's adamant progress against the Swiss champions can repay a support who dug deep into their pockets to keep Hearts afloat.
He said: "It’s probably the biggest driver for us all at the club, from the playing staff, coaching staff, out of any fans in the world they probably deserve it more than any because they put their hands in their pocket and saved the club, administration, demotion, coming back up again, top six.
"European football and last week was brilliant just to see the fans over in Switzerland and hopefully the ones that could not make it enjoy it. We’ve got another three trips away and three home games and we’ve certainly earned it."
FC Zurich will face the prospect of an electric European atmosphere in Edinburgh and Neilson is adamant the support in Gorgie can prove to be a decisive factor in a winner-takes-all clash.
He said: "We have to use the atmosphere to our advantage. Away goals don't count so it's a straight shootout. We're a goal behind so we have to take the game to them. I would expect them to try to manage the game and hit us on the counter-attack because they're very good on the counter. We need to make sure we cover that but we'll have 20,000 fans here and they'll want to see us perform. We want to make sure we start the game well.
"It's probably one of the biggest games at Tynecastle. We've had cup finals at the national stadium but as a European game, a European experience, it's massive for us to have this opportunity to get to the group stage of the Europa."
Neilson is also convinced it's a chance to return Hearts to elite European football and show the benefits of a club and support all fighting for the same cause.
He said: "It shows the level the club should be at in my opinion, we should be top end of the league, European football on a regular basis. It’s easier said than done because of the teams around about us that are aiming for that as well. We’ve got a brilliant stadium, great fan base, training facilities, a brilliant city to live in, good squad, great board so we should be at this level but it’s about making sure we do it consistently."
With Motherwell and Dundee United having already made a European exit, Hearts have the consolation of a Europa Conference League spot if they fail against the Swiss but Neilson is determined to strike a positive blow for Scottish football by claiming a place in UEFA 's secondary club tournament.
He said: : “I think it is absolutely brilliant for Scottish football, as a nation but obviously individually for the clubs. Rangers and Celtic are used to getting in there, we aren’t. So for us to get the experience of travelling to games, playing against different teams, will hold them in good stead for the rest of their careers and also this season. Hopefully they see the levels they need to get to to be able to continue to progress.”
“I think that expectation levels at times have been too high. We played the game last week and played against the Swiss champions, a team with numerous international players. We are expected to go there and win the game. It can be very difficult to do that when you are playing against these top teams.
"As a nation I think we are ranked ninth in the standings. We are playing against teams that are fifth, fourth, whatever. It can be difficult. We played against the Swiss champions and they were a very, very good team. We have to realise where we are as a nation. But we do believe that we can progress and get better. Hopefully the experience the players get in European football helps them.”
Hearts will be without Craig Halkett who injured a hamstring in the first-leg last week as well as Beni Baningime who continues his recovery from an ACL but otherwise have a clean bill of health.
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