Heart of Midlothian

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Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken: "We didn't give too many chances away, only the five minutes in the second half. Then, we have to be more direct.

"In some moments, we played too naive and we let them come into the game. We sped up a little bit and it was much easier to take the game to them.

"The players [who were given a chance] have to show what is needed, especially energy. We can evaluate them. Some did good, some not that good. It's good that everyone got more minutes in the legs.

"We did what we had to do, no more than that. We created some good goals which is nice for the players and for the fans. We kept calm when we went behind, we took our moments and didn't panic.

"Rapid [Vienna] are a good team. On the ball, they are better than Sturm Graz, for example. They have a similar style, they want to press high and strong.

"In Europe, when you're the unseeded side, you always get a big team to play. We have to be fit and ready, play with conviction and believe we can take something there."

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Manager Wouter Vrancken insists Hearts "will not back down" after picking up their first win of the season last weekend.

The new boss had a tricky start to life at Tynecastle after losing his first three competitive matches in charge.

After a humbling 6-1 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier against Benfica, Hearts defeated Dundee United 4-0 in the Scottish Premiership before earning a creditable draw in the return leg of their European tie.

And on Sunday they host Championship side Inverness in the League Cup last 16 - the same stage they went out of the competition this time last season.

When asked if he's going to make significant changes to the side that starts on Sunday, Vrancken said: "First of all, you have to deserve an opportunity to play.

"That's an important point. You have to always show it in every minute you play, but also in the sessions.

"But again, we have to see with the little injuries [to players like Laurent Mendy and Harry Milne]. Can they come back? Who can play?

"But we will not back down. We have to push forward and we have to keep pushing. And it doesn't matter who is the side against you. Thursday, Benfica and Sunday, we have to show the same effort and try to do the same things with the same mentality and the same team spirit. This is for me the most important."

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Goalkeeper Kieran Wright has joined Hearts on a short-term contract until January, as head coach Wouter Vrancken looks to bolster his options between the sticks.

The 27-year-old spent more than a decade at Rangers without making a first-team appearance but did have 10 different loan spells.

His most recent game time came in the Championship with Airdrieonians in the 2024-25 campaign, while he also spent the summer on trial with Queen of the South and East Kilbride.

The shot-stopper also had spells at Livingston, Kilmarnock, Dumbarton, Alloa Athletic, Partick Thistle and Raith Rovers, with most of his appearances coming at a League 1 level.

Hearts now have four senior goalkeepers on the books. Beau Reus has replaced the departed Alexander Schwolow as number one since arriving this summer.

Ryan Fulton and Zander Clark have been deputies, although the latter has missed out on the last few squads.

Underneath them, Liam McFarlane and Harry Stone are on loan to Championship clubs Partick Thistle and Ayr United respectively.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder Graeme Shinnie says they need to harness the positivity from the start of their campaign going in to Sunday's Premier Sports Cup last 16 trip to Hearts.

The Caley Jags finished top of their group in the competition, one which included Premiership side St Johnstone, who they defeated 1-0.

They have also made a solid return to the Championship, drawing both their opening games in the second tier – against Dunfermline and Arbroath.

But Shinnie, 35, who arrived from Aberdeen this summer, is under no illusions about the size of the challenge they face in the capital.

"We are well aware of what they are and what they've got but it's a game for us to try and nullify what they've got as much as we can, and try and knock them off their rhythm," Shinnie said.

"If they play to their rhythm at home, they will be a powerhouse for anyone - like they showed last season.

"It's about trying to knock them off their game and trying to show ourselves as well and what we can do. We need to try and keep and take that positivity into Sunday and try to build on it."

Shinnie was in the Inverness side that faced Hearts in the League Cup semi-final in 2014. Under the guidance of John Hughes, they came from 2-1 down to win on penalties, despite playing the entirety of extra-time with nine men after two red cards.

Unfortunately for Caley Thistle, they couldn't pull off a similar upset in the final as they lost to Aberdeen - who Shinnie would join a year later.

"[A Cup shock] is always a possibility in these Cup games and there've been many over the years especially at Inverness that I've been involved in, but you need a lot to go for you on the day," he said.

"We need to play to the best of our ability to give ourselves a chance, we need to make a mark in the game, we don't want to go there and just defend and defend and defend – we want to attack as well.

"There is a lot that needs to go our way but we are focussed and we are ready for it."

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Goalkeeper Beau Reus says Hearts can take confidence from Thursday's 1-1 draw with Benfica despite dropping out of the Europa League.

The Edinburgh club had a mountain to climb in the match at Tynecastle having been beaten 6-1 by the Portuguese giant in the first leg of the third qualifying round in Lisbon last week.

And although they lost out on aggregate, Wouter Vrancken's side put on a much improved performance to draw 1-1 with Marco Silva's men in Gorgie.

And Reus, who joined the club this summer, hopes that performance can give the side a confidence boost heading in to Sunday's League Cup last 16 tie against Inverness.

"Of course all competitions are important for us and we want to win them all," the Dutchman said.

"On Sunday, we just have to be in the same mindset as against Benfica and fight for every ball, don't give any percentage less because then you know it will be a hard game.

"If we play like we did on Thursday, I have all the confidence that we bring it to a good outcome Sunday."

After losing to Aberdeen in their opening game of the new season, Vrancken's side beat Dundee United 4-0 last weekend with an impressive performance.

"I think the Dundee United game gave us a boost in confidence," Reus added.

"They had zero shots on target, and then we just played really well against Benfica.

"It was a hard game and I'm just really proud of the guys, how we defended together and how we attacked together.

"I think we played really well as a team. Benfica made some changes but I don't think the team was anything less than last week.

"You could see we were fighting hard and playing for every ball. Obviously last week we conceded six so the goal was to concede less and I'm happy that we only took one."

Hearts fans, we asked for your views after Thursday night's 1-1 draw against Benfica in Europa League qualifying.

Here's what some of you said:

Tim: A transformation from the Hearts team from just a few weeks ago. The effort, commitment and quality from Hearts was fantastic. Some moments of excellence and very few lapses in concentration. Most importantly, this was a team performance with coherence and organisation. And the fans totally got behind the new manager and players.

Jim: Genuine progress being made. I think we will see a very different Hearts team come the end of September now that the new manager's playing style is bedding in and the players are responding. I would still like to see James Wilson given a chance alongside Braga. We have a few excellent players nearly ready to return so I expect us to challenge again for the title and cups.

Sarah: Despite our ragtag defence set up they were as strong as the old castle rock, lest for one momentary dip in concentration. I'm buoyed for the season ahead as I see our performances slowly but surely get to the level required to challenge once again.

Angela: What a fantastic evening under the summer sun watching Hearts take on one of the giants of European football - and watching us go toe to toe. The fans are still subdued after last seasons antics and we need more of these nights in Scottish football.

Rupert: Proud of the team, they gave absolutely everything out there and they got their rewards with an impressive draw to give Scottish football a small boost on the European stage. We are a couple of signings away from challenging again this season.

David: An all round excellent team performance from Hearts and a great confidence booster for the games with Rapid Vienna and season ahead in the league. The team has matured over the last few weeks and Calvin Miller is looking like a fantastic signing.

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Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken: "I think the performance was excellent today against a side with a lot of millions on the pitch.

"Maybe it's a pity that we drew because we could also win the game, but when you see the overall performance, it's amazing to see.

"I think we also did well in the first half. We kept the ball a lot of times really well in the team, and we tried to go forward also in the first half.

"We just did some adaptations of course like we always try to do at half time, but again the boys were also in the first half showing some guts, and responsibility there.

"That's what we want to see, without taking stupid risks, but trying to play football and trying to use the spaces there are.

"It has to give confidence because we're realistic in the result of course after last week, but the aim was also to show yourselves here and to show who we are and to get confidence out of the performance and I think we succeeded in that.

"Rapid Vienna will be a totally different game but we have to take confidence from today into the next games."

Hearts' inevitable Europa League exit was confirmed, but pride was recovered in a well-deserved second-leg draw at home to Benfica.

Read the match report here.

Have your say here.

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It may have been a bruising start to the season for Hearts, but former player Andy Halliday has seen "really positive signs" for new head coach Wouter Vrancken.

Opening with four successive defeats, the much-changed Edinburgh side registered a first win on Sunday, demolishing Dundee United 4-0 at Tynecastle.

Halliday gives his old team no chance of turning round a 6-1 deficit against Benfica in Europa League qualifying on Thursday, but does think there are grounds for optimism for the remainder of the campaign.

"You always look for passages of play and I've been impressed by some of Hearts work in possession," he told the BBC Scottish Football Podcast.

"Against Benfica, I don't think there was much expectation that they could have gone through.

"But Hearts were outstanding on the ball at times in Lisbon. They kept it well, got the goal, hit the bar, got into the penalty area on quite a few occasions.

"Out of possession, they look really open, although I think Benfica can make you look like that.

"They backed that up with a resounding victory and we saw that other side of the game, keeping a clean sheet and restricting United to zero shots on target."

Having been knocked out of Champions League qualifying by Sturm Graz, Hearts now face the prospect of dropping into the Conference League play-off against Rapid Vienna or Paide Linnameeskond.

On Benfica's second-leg visit to Tynecastle, Halliday added: "Fans will want to see a certain level of performance, a level of fight and desire, just do whatever they can to make it difficult on the night."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Oisin McEntee says he is enjoying a different style of play under new Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken, with less emphasis on "long-ball" football and a greater focus on "building from the back" and "patterns of play".

The more direct style under Derek McInnes came very close to winning Hearts their first top-flight title in 60 years, but it is now a case of adapting to new manager Vrancken's demands.

"I think just the patterns of play is probably the main thing," McEntee said. "I think we had a very different approach last year where we'd kind of play a lot of long-ball football and make teams defend from there.

"I think this season we're trying to build up from the back and the coaches are trying to introduce little patterns to play out from the back and play through midfield and just create chances. So I'd say that's the biggest difference.

"It's obviously different to last year in the style, but all the staff have been really helpful, like having individual meetings and helping each player with what they need to do."

Trailing 6-1 from last week's first leg, McEntee says he is looking forward to facing Benfica again, as he feels there are plenty of positives to take from the first game and the two previous European defeats to Sturm Graz.

He believes the level the side is being asked to play at will stand the players in very good stead for the rest of the season.

McEntee added: "You learn a lot because they're some of the best players that we as a team have come up against, and every little thing - like maybe the strikers' movements - can be different to what you've played against before.

"You just realise that these teams punish you when you make mistakes, so it's just about lifting your level again."

The Irishman says he and his team-mates are still confident of European group-stage football.

If Benfica do not blow a five-goal advantage at Tynecastle on Thursday, Hearts would very likely face Rapid Vienna for a place in the Conference League, with the Austrians comfortably ahead in their own tie.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Head coach Wouter Vrancken has been speaking to the media before the second leg of Hearts' third-round Europa League qualifier with Benfica.

Here are the key lines:

• Vrancken admits star striker Claudio Braga has spoken to him about his future but that those talks will remain confidential, with the Belgian coach fully confident that "as long as he's here" last season's PFA Scotland player of the year will remain "100 per cent committed".

• Vrancken says the Portuguese striker is "staying at the moment" as he's not aware of any "concrete bids" for the player, who's been linked in the media with a possible move away from the club following the departures of Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and, just this week, Alexandros Kyziridis.

• Vrancken says he "can't predict the future" but certainly hopes Braga, and his other top players, all remain at the club for the remainder of the season.

• The Belgian admits his side is "not at the level" to compete with the likes of Benfica and Sturm Graz, the two sides they've met so far in European competition, but that the big weekend win over Dundee United was good for the confidence of the squad as "the players are working really hard and trying to learn new things".

• "The next thing is you need some results," he adds. "It's good for the fans to see it works."

• Asked what he needs to get the players up to the level required for European competition, Vrancken said they "need experience" of that level of football and need to be "physically ready".

• He then noted the discrepancy in levels between Thursday's opponents, who have recent Champions League experience, and the likes of Laurent Mendy and Tom Renaud in his squad, who came from the fifth and third tiers of England and France respectively.

• On Benfica, Vrancken said: "You can't rule out the quality of Benfica. Third in the league last season without losing a game. A nice team to watch, a quality team."

• Vrancken also revealed none of the players carrying injuries, like Harry Milne, will be available.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

The month of August always sees an influx of arrivals into Edinburgh, with each newcomer looking to make a lasting impression.

Following the win against Dundee United, Wouter Vrancken and his Jamestown Analytics-assembled squad put on quite the show this festival season.

Despite what some defiant Jambos might tell you, it was important for our new gaffer to pick up a victory quickly.

For one afternoon at least, Hearts looked less like a production finding its feet and more like a Fringe sellout that had already found its audience.

It was encouraging to start so well and Tom Renaud's stoater of a strike and Calvin Miller's VAR-awarded penalty settled any nerves about another winless afternoon.

There were so many positives from the game: four different goalscorers, including three players making their Tynecastle league debut; a first clean sheet for Beau Reus and his makeshift back four; much-maligned pair Jamie McCart and Blair Spittal bouncing back with solid performances.

I get accused of being a "happy clapper" just as much as being told I'm "so negative I can't be a Jambo" when it comes to articulating how I feel as a fan, but we should be encouraged about the season ahead.

After Vrancken deployed a 4-2-4 formation in possession away to Benfica, I'm presuming we won't play with the handbrake on domestically. If that's the case, we should be involved in plenty more high-scoring matches.

With Alexandros Kyziridis now gone in a £1.7m deal after arriving on a free just 12 months ago, it's another encouraging sign Hearts' data-led model can work. Given Josh McPake's encouraging performance, crowned with the fourth goal, we may already have a ready-made replacement on the left flank.

In a week of discussion about the future of Scottish football, it was particularly pleasing to see strong performances from McPake, Miller, Spittal and McCart.

There's no doubt we'll need to do more to help academy players such as James Wilson become first-team regulars, but I hope Vrancken continues to build around a strong Scottish core.

I hate the term 'free hit', but that's exactly what Thursday's return fixture against Benfica is. The truth is we're unlikely to see Champions League calibre opposition in Gorgie for many years, so we should simply enjoy the occasion, both as supporters and as a team.

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Alexandros Kyziridis has penned an emotional farewell message to Hearts fans after the winger's departure to Turkish side Corum FK was confirmed.

The 25-year-old, capped for the first time this year by Greece, moved to Tynecastle as a free agent last summer from Slovakian side Zemplin Michalovce, and scored six goals and provided 11 assists in 45 appearances for Hearts.

Kyziridis was influential early in his time at the club and was a key part of the side that came close to a historic league title last season.

The winger said on Instagram:, external "I leave with a heart full of gratitude and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

"The victories, the difficult moments, the celebrations, the defeats, the dressing room, the fans, and all those little moments that maybe seemed ordinary at the time but will always mean so much to me.

"This city will always have a very special place in my heart. It is not just the place where I played football and made memories - it is the place where my son was born. For that reason alone, a part of me will always belong here.

"This city will forever be connected to one of the most beautiful and important moments of my life.

"Thank you for believing in me, for supporting me, and for making me feel part of this family. I gave everything I had every time I wore this shirt, and I will always be proud of that.

"I leave knowing that I was part of something special, and I will always look back on this chapter with gratitude, pride, and a lot of love.

"This is not goodbye forever. It is simply goodbye for now."

Winger Calvin Miller, 28, is reluctant to acknowledge his defensive skills after playing at left-back in Hearts' 4-0 weekend win over Dundee United. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required, external)

Rangers are pushing to sign James Penrice, 27, and have submitted a loan offer with purchase option, but AEK Athens want a permanent transfer for the former Hearts full-back. (Barry Anderson, external)

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Hearts' start to the season after the Edinburgh side picked up their first win of the new campaign following four defeats in four games. Scott Brown and Andy Halliday also analyse Tom Renaud's goal for the Tynecastle club.

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Benfica were held to a 2-2 draw at home to promoted side Academico de Viseu FC in Liga Portugal on Sunday as they prepare for Thursday's trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts.

The Portuguese outfit cruised to a 6-1 victory in Lisbon last week in the first leg of the Europa League third qualifying round.

Hearts, meanwhile, were 4-0 winners against Dundee United at Tynecastle in Wouter Vrancken's first victory as manager.

If Hearts lose the tie they will likely face either Rapid Vienna or Paide Linnameeskond in the Conference League play-off.

The former defeated Ried 2-1 in the Austria top flight and sit second on goal difference behind LASK, who Celtic play in the Champions League play-off next week.

Pied Linnameeskond also won in their domestic match, they defeated Viimsi 3-1 away from home and sit second in the Estonian league.

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Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay is to leave his post at the end of August.

McKinlay took up the position six years ago, having been appointed by former owner Ann Budge.

"It has been an honour to serve as CEO of Hearts," said McKinlay, who became vice president of the Scottish FA in January.

"I am proud of all that we have achieved during my time at the club and grateful to have worked alongside so many dedicated colleagues, players, supporters and partners. I wish everyone connected with Hearts every success in the future."

The Edinburgh club say McKinlay's exit was "mutually agreed" following discussions with the board.

He had been chief executive of Scottish Golf before his move to Tynecastle in 2020 and was previously chief operating officer at the SFA.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

Made eight saves as Hibs held on for another win over Rangers at Ibrox.

Kanayo Megwa - Hibernian

Played a big part in a strong, steady victorious showing at Ibrox.

Auston Trusty - Celtic

Superb block on the line as the American kept things tight at the back for Celtic.

Owen Bevan - Dundee

You don't have to be called Bevan to do well for Dundee, but it clearly helps. Strong showing at the back.

Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell

More often than not makes an impact down the left for the Steelmen.

Joe Bevan - Dundee

Looked impressive at times against Celtic and took it to a new level against Aberdeen with a goal and assist.

Tom Renaud - Hearts

His laser-guided rocket reminded me of Ally McCoist at Euro '96. To be fair, Renaud's was even better.

Killian Phillips - St Mirren

Suddenly the main man for the Buddies. Loved his no-nonsense one-step penalty.

Josh McPake - Hearts

Scored a fine goal, linking up with Claudio Braga. Shining on the Tynecastle stage after his heroics for St Johnstone.

Kasper Hogh - Celtic

An ebullient, winning personality and the Celtic fans have a new hero after the £11m man netted a hat-rick and looked an all round class act.

Claudio Braga - Hearts

Ran out of superlatives for his contribution last season, and was back to his best against Dundee United with a goal and two assists.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hearts winger Calvin Miller hopes Sunday's thumping 4-0 win over Dundee United will help kickstart their season after a testing start.

Miller - signed from Falkirk earlier this summer - scored his first goal for the club, converting from the penalty spot.

The three points were more than welcome after a heavy aggregate defeat by Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying, a 2-1 reverse against Aberdeen in the Premiership and a heavy loss at Benfica in the first leg of their Europa League qualifying tie.

Despite those losses, Miller - who filled in at left-back against United - says he always believed Hearts would eventually get their season up and running.

"I'm just happy to get off my mark and get the win," he told BBC Scotland.

"I think we've been quite unlucky with the draws and stuff, the ties and the European campaign.

"So today was huge for us to kickstart our campaign and we've done it in style with a nice 4-0 win.

"It's been tough, of course, but the opposition have been real tough. It's a learning curve as well, so we take these moments and we try and learn from them.

"Then we take it into the Scottish league campaign and then we try and apply ourselves in this league and I think we've done that."

Hearts now turn their attention back to Europe when Benfica visit Tynecastle on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying-round tie.

Wouter Vrancken's side trail 6-1 from the first leg in Lisbon, but Miller says the players will relish the opportunity despite facing another demanding week.

"You've got to relish these moments in these big games and I am looking forward to it on Thursday," Miller said.

"We need to not make as many mistakes as you usually do. You need to up your game, you need to think faster.

"Our opponents are a wee bit ahead in terms of quality, but it's maybe just trying to frustrate them and make it difficult and hard to beat."

Hearts fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's 4-0 Scottish Premiership win over Dundee United.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Charlie: Great to see Hearts play football, it takes time but the signs are good.

Rupert: Our attacking play is electric and will find a few teams wanting this season but we need to tighten up out of possession in order to win games - 4-0 flattered us. We are close to being a good team but in Scottish football you need to know how to battle to a 1-0 too.

Sam: Outstanding, especially in the light of all the injuries. Calvin Miller and Oisin McEntee look real players but after all the recent criticism it was great to see Jamie McCart produce a wonderful performance.

Chris: I think 4-0 flatters us. Dundee United were in control for long periods and I feel a better team would have punished us. We badly need defenders and a number nine.

B Prentice: I could see the improvement coming yet was expecting Wouter Vrancken to need a few transfer windows before he can truly get us where he wants us to be. But after Sunday the future is bright, the future is maroon.

Marc: Delighted with the attacking performance, especially the work rate and quality of Josh McPake and Calvin Miller. Tom Renaud has the makings of a baller, and Tomas Magnusson was very impressive when he came on. Vrancken-ball has many positives, and leaves us susceptible to the counter, but McCart and McEntee were both outstanding and coped well. Very entertaining football and many positives to take.