John McGlynn hails Hearts display after Liverpool draw

Manager John McGlynn was fulsome in his praise for Hearts after the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.

The Edinburgh side led briefly after a David Templeton goal but toppled out of the Europa League 2-1 on aggregate.

"I'm very proud of the players," said McGlynn. "The effort they put in was beyond our wildest dreams.

"We got ourselves in front but just couldn't hold on. To take Liverpool so close but not come out on top is disappointing but a great achievement."

Liverpool dominated the second leg of their qualifying round play-off for long spells but were punished for not adding to their 1-0 first-leg lead when goalkeeper Pepe Reina let Templeton's shot squeeze through late on.

With extra time looming, Luis Suarez made amends for missing two earlier gilt-edged chances with a finish from a tight angle in the 88th minute.

"The players are disappointed because we had extra time snatched away from us right at the death," added McGlynn.

"But at the same time we have to be realistic and realise the amount of money Liverpool spend, and to think that we've matched them over two legs; there was not much in it.

"I know Liverpool had a lot of the ball and we were under pressure and we had to ride our luck at time.

"Jamie MacDonald has also made a couple of good saves but, over the course, we put a lot of good play into the tie and we take pride from our performance.

"Liverpool were always going to create a few chances but our organisation and shape were great and the lads were dogged, they stuck to their tasks well.

"When you go 1-0 up you think it might be your night.

"I think the lads were looking to win it in the 90 minutes because they were bombing forward, we lose the ball, we're hit on the break, unfortunately big Marius Zaliukas slips and Suarez is left in that situation.

"When he's in that situation he's liable to go on and score and that's what he did."

McGlynn, who acknowledged a bid from Rangers for goalscorer Templeton and spoke of his hopes to bring Ryan Stevenson back to Tynecastle from Ipswich, now wants his team to maintain the levels shown at Anfield.

"I have tremendous faith in the players," he added. "The squad has been cut back a lot.

"But we have to take that performance into the SPL. We have a big game at the weekend against Dundee.

"The fans have also shown their appreciation. They came here and sang their hearts out for 90 minutes and stayed behind at the end of the game as well.