Critchley on first European away game, 'overwhelming' support & player mentality

Hearts boss Neil Critchley has been looking ahead to Thursday night's Europa Conference League game against Cercle Brugge.

Here are the main points:

• Critchley is "really excited" about his first European away game with Hearts and says "there's a different feel about it".

• The Hearts boss isn't fooled by Cercle Brugge's league position and knows they will have to play well to get a result but he is certain his side are prepared for the challenge tomorrow night.

• Admits the size of travelling support is "overwhelming" but hopes his side can create a "great memory" for them on Thursday night.

• Critchley knows Cercle will be desperate for a victory on Thursday night - "the points are running out and they'll need to win" but insists his side also want to win so hopes it makes for an exciting game.

• He's not spoken to Derek McInnes for advice - whose side faced Cercle Brugge earlier in the season - but knows it was two tough and close games between the sides. Critchley stresses Hearts "want to be the best version of ourselves".

• Despite the 4-1 defeat, the manager admits the side "can draw confidence from Celtic game" and praises the players' mentality to "keep going against tough opposition.