Hearts 'have to be at best physically & mentally' - Critchley

Neil Critchley says Hearts will have to be at their best both "physically and mentally" if they are to beat Cercle Brugge in the Conference League on Thursday.

Critchley's side have six points from their three European league fixtures so far, and sit 12th in the table, two points ahead of the Belgian opponents.

Hearts have to finish in the top 24 teams in the competition to stay in Europe beyond Christmas, and Critchley has left nothing to chance before his first European away trip in charge of the Gorgie club.

"I've watched them myself, as the staff have, as we always do," he said. "We prepare for the games, and we know the type of team that we're going to be facing.

"We know their style of play. We know their strengths and weaknesses, if you like. That's what we do.

"We try to negate their strengths and try to exploit the things that are going to give us an advantage in the game. There's quite clear traits that are consistent when you watch this team play.

"They make it difficult for you. Any game away from home in Europe is a difficult contest.

"We know we're going to have to be at our best. We're going to have to be here physically, mentally, but if we are, then we'll have an opportunity of picking up three points."