Naismith on making amends, 'tough' Plzen & embracing Euro challenge

Steven Naismith has been speaking to the media before Hearts' Europa League play-off first leg at Viktoria Plzen on Thursday.

Here are the key points:

• Naismith says Hearts' last two performances have been below standard and they are bitterly disappointed with the cup loss to Falkirk but want to "make that right" on Thursday.

• He adds: “I think it is magnified because it's the cup and it was that first opportunity to get our hands on silverware. Last year we worked really hard to get in this position."

• New players are still adjusting to the team and Naismith says he will have to "freshen" his line-up with four games in the next two weeks.

• Hearts need to improve their defending and show better finishing than they did at Falkirk.

• "Tough team" Plzen take risks with their press and have "really dangerous" attacking players. The Hearts boss adds: "They have young players who are going to be big talents in the coming years."

• Hearts must "embrace the challenge" of trying to reach the Europa League.

• If the players can't be up for a European game like this "there is no point in being here".

• Expectation is this tie will be similar to facing Rosenborg last year.

• Frankie Kent has travelled and is fit to play.