WE DID TAKE INFONET SERIOUSLY, INSISTS
ROBBIE NEILSON has dismissed any suggestions that his Hearts side underestimated FC Infonet at Tynecastle last week — but has vowed the Gorgie outfit will step up a gear in Tallinn tonight. The capital club were jeered by a portion of their own support during their narrow 2-1 win over the Estonian minnows, who have only been a top-flight side for four years and are embarking on their firstever European campaign. However, while some observers expected Hearts to claim a comfortable victory, Neilson insists he was acutely aware of the threat posed by Infonet. And he knows that an improvement will be required tonight. Neilson, whose team will face a trip to Malta if they progress to the next round after Birkirkara defeated Siroki Brijeg of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 yesterday, said: ‘We know we are up against a good team. We did not underestimate them in the first leg. ‘We came into the tie knowing what we had to do and they proved that they are a good team. ‘They have experienced international players in their ranks. We will have to perform at a good level tonight if we are to get anything from the game. ‘I’m sure we will be better because we have had an extra week’s training and preparation.’ An early exit in Tallinn would represent another inglorious chapter for Scottish clubs in Europe, but Neilson — who has welcomed Morgaro Gomis and Robbie Muirhead back into the fold ahead of the encounter — is sure his players can handle the heat. He added: ‘There is pressure every time you play at Hearts. It doesn’t matter who you play. There is pressure when you play pre-season friendlies, cup games and this pressure is not any different. ‘It is about us performing and doing the right things.’ The Infonet camp, meanwhile, were keen to