Koubek wary of toiling Hearts

Viktoria Plzen boss Miroslav Koubek says it is "laughable" to think Hearts are a weak side despite their early-season struggles.

Steven Naismith's men are winless so far in all competitions this term, with four straight defeats following their goalless draw with Rangers on the Premiership opening day.

Plzen take a 1-0 lead to Tynecastle for the second leg of the Europa League play-off on Thursday and Koubek has pledged the Czechs won't sit on their advantage.

"The suggestion that Hearts would be a weak side is laughable," he said.

"A team that draws with Rangers in the Premiership, can they be a weak side? I think not.

"I knew it would be a hard tie and that Hearts will be difficult opponents, so we play with the utmost respect. We definitely do not underestimate anyone.

"Definitely, we want to score. We are not here to defend a 1-0 because that is no advantage. It's good to have that result.

"Hearts will not play the way they played in Plzen, they will need to push forward and be on the offensive. We expect them to be more open because of that."

Plzen have sold Czech international defender Robin Hranac to Hoffenheim since the first leg.

"It leaves a hole in the squad," said Koubek. "But everyone can be replaced. We are slightly better prepared because Hranac played at the Euros so wasn't with us during the summer."