Heart of Midlothian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Craig Gordon insists struggling Hearts are "playing well" as he rued "another one that got away" after the 2-0 Conference League defeat at Cercle Brugge.

Neil Critchley's men have now suffered four straight defeats in all competitions and have one win in their last seven outings.

"I thought we created some good chances. That has been the story for the last few months really," said the 41-year-old goalkeeper.

"Our performances have been at a decent level but we have not managed to score and we have not managed to win the matches we should have.

“That was another one tonight that feels like one that got away.

“On the balance of play we deserved at least a point and possibly all three so that is difficult to take.

"We have to keep fighting, we have to keep believing that it's going to turn because we are creating enough chances and at some point we will start winning again."

Hearts require a point from their remaining two Conference League games to all but guarantee a play-off spot. They visit FC Copenhagen in December before completing the league phase at home to Moldovans Petrocub in January.

"We will go to Copenhagen and try to get the win but it will be a difficult game," added Gordon.

"I think we are playing well. To win matches we need to keep the performance levels up and try to get more from everyone."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Neil Critchley had no issue with Hearts being booed off in Belgium and says letting the fans down is "the worst feeling in the world".

A late penalty miss from Lawrence Shankland, when Hearts trailed by a goal, proved costly as Cercle Brugge won 2-0 to keep the Tynecastle side waiting for a place in the Conference League knockout rounds.

"I understand their frustrations. I get it," head coach Critchley told BBC Scotland. "When you travel and come in big numbers we desperately want to give them a goal and a victory and see them celebrating.

"We have not done that. That is the worst feeling in the world, feeling as if you have let them down. But we have to bounce back.

"The games are running out and I have just said to the players this is not like a knockout competition and are out.

"We have two more games to go, so in two weeks' time when we go to Copenhagen we have another opportunity to produce better than what we are doing at the moment."

Heart of Midlothian's hopes of playing in Europe after Christmas for the first time since 1989 were dented by defeat against Cercle Brugge in the Conference League.

Malamine Efekele's goal - a scuffed effort that wrong-footed Craig Gordon - just before half-time put the Belgian side ahead.

Lawrence Shankland had a glorious opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot but the out-of-form striker blasted over the bar in the 82nd minute. He has now missed four of his last seven spot-kicks.

Gary Magnee's deflected strike eight minutes later consigned Hearts to a fourth defeat in a row in a miserable season, with only one victory in their last seven games leaving them second bottom of the Scottish Premiership.

Hearts fans, were you in Belgium or following the game from home? Either way we want your thoughts on the game. Have your say, external.

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Hearts manager Neil Critchley: "It was a hugely disappointing result.

"Nothing in the first half, not many chances at either end really, fine margins.

"We conceded a poor goal in the first half and then I thought in the second half we were better, some good moments we didn't take and things not quite going for us. It's frustrating with a capital f I think.

"First goals are pivotal in any game and at the moment we're not getting them. We were wasteful on the ball in the first half.

"You rely on the ability and quality of the players you've got and at the moment we need those players to step up."

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On a night that was ultimately disappointing for Hearts, James Penrice was a bright spark all game.

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Lawrence Shankland and Hearts' misery is going hand in hand this season - and is a stark contrast to the success player and team enjoyed in the last campaign.

The striker's free-scoring form booked him a ticket to Euro 2024 with Scotland and helped the Jambos cruise to third place in the Scottish Premiership.

But he has just one goal this season and with no-one else to pick up the slack, Hearts are above the Premiership's bottom club Hibernian only on goal difference.

The Hearts fans who made the trip to Belgium will have been forgiven for thinking they had seen this programme before, as Shankland drew a blank and the rest of the team looked toothless despite enjoying 60% possession.

Efekele's goal, at the end of a first half notable only for the amount of times the referee's whistle was heard, summed up this season for the former Dundee United striker.

The right-footed midfielder - on loan from Monaco, which like Cercle Brugge is owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev – somehow dragged the ball inside Gordon's left-hand post with a weak, scuffed shot.

In contrast, a brilliant instinctive backheel from Shankland agonisingly went past the post with home goalkeeper Maxime Delanghe looking beaten.

Shankland blew the perfect opportunity to end his drought and give Hearts a precious point when the home side were penalised for a handball but his wild effort flew a foot over the crossbar.

The 29-year-old had another chance to equalise moments later from a delightful cross from James Penrice but his glancing header went wide.

Magnee's strike soon after emptied salt in Shankland's wound and means the feel-good factor of Hearts' opening two Conference League wins and the mini bounce new boss Critchley enjoyed are a distant memory.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland in Bruges

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James Penrice is "reaping the rewards" of hard work as he looks to help Hearts secure a place in the Conference League knockout rounds tonight.

The left-back missed the second half of last season with Livingston through injury before joining Hearts in the summer and has quickly become a mainstay in the team, with the fans even creating a song for him.

Hearts face Cercle Brugge in Belgium knowing victory would guarantee post-Christmas European football for the first time since 1988-89.

"It's been mental," Penrice said. "[A year ago] I would never have thought I'd be playing in nights like this.

"I'm going to try everything I can to win this football game and I think everyone can see that.

"I put a lot of hard work into being where I am and this is me reaping the rewards.

"We can definitely qualify for the next stage. That was the aim of coming into this competition.

"We should have no fear. Even when coming to these grounds, we're coming here to get three points."

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• Hearts are second bottom of the Scottish Premiership, while Cercle Bruges currently sit 14th of 16 teams in the Belgian First Division.

• Cercle have gone three games without a victory after Saturday's 1-0 defeat away to Standard Liege.

• Cercle have only played Scottish opposition once previously - but that was this season, when they drew 1-1 in Kilmarnock before a 1-0 home victory in Europa League qualifying.

• Hearts have won three and lost three of their matches against Belgian opponents, the latest being against Standard Liege in the Uefa Cup second round in 1992, losing both legs 1-0.

• Hearts have lost twice and won once in Belgium, their only victory being 3-1 against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Fairs Cup first round in 1961 as they won 5-1 on aggregate.

• Overall, Cercle have won eight and lost six of their 15 European matches.

Kenneth Vargas has apologised to his Heart of Midlothian team-mates and had clear-the-air talks with head coach Neil Critchley after the Costa Rican forward was quoted making a scathing attack on Scottish football and saying he wants to test himself at a higher level with a transfer in January. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Former Hearts forward Stephen Elliot has been appointed manager of Irish First Division club Wexford after time in the academy of St Patrick's Athletic. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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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."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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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.

Lawrence Shankland's Heart of Midlothian contract situation has not affected the Tynecastle squad or the striker himself, says Jambos midfielder Blair Spittal. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Greg Playfair
Fan writer

For any Jambo that was unable to make last Saturday evening's match at Tynecastle due to Storm Bert, you could have forgiven them for being tempted during the second half to switch channel and see what else was on offer.

Following the 4-1 defeat to Celtic, I'm keen to watch the new Andrew Lloyd Webber series 'How do you solve a problem like Lawrence Shankland?'

Statisticians and head coach Neil Critchley will tell you he is having a really good season in terms of his all-round contribution, with the data showing things like expected assists, aerial wins and pressuring the opponent are all increased from last term.

But the most important statistic for a striker is scoring and to have one goal in 19 club games is a massive drop-off for Shankland's recent standards.

Compared to this date last season, Shankland had scored 11 goals in 20 games. Hearts' poor league form this season isn't solely down to Shankland, but it does illustrate the hard task Critchley has to turn around performances.

Does he stick or twist with Shankland starting games, with many supporters losing patience with the striker who has all but confirmed he will be away next summer?

Critchley's striking options are sparse and with Spanish kid Musa Drammeh, who thundered in a consolation strike versus the league leaders, not registered for Europe it all but confirms Shankland will start in Belgium against Cercle Brugge where we could secure European football past Christmas for the first time since 1989. I suspect Craig Gordon was probably playing in our reserves back then, given the longevity of his career.

There's been a debate within Gorgie pubs over whether Critchley should play his best 11 for this European game, or save that for the visit of Aberdeen on Sunday.

From the body of evidence we've seen from Critchley, he's settled on a core 17-18 regular starters. So that means guys like Craig Halkett, Zander Clark, Liam Boyce, Barrie McKay and Andres Salazar will likely remain in footballing Siberia.

For me, the Aberdeen game is most important and it's genuinely one I can see us winning.

Jimmy Thelin's side were always due to hit a sticky period in form. Following their defeat to St Mirren and the fact we more than matched them at Pittodrie earlier this campaign, it gives me belief we can defeat them.

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley encourages out of favour players Liam Boyce and Andres Salazar not to lose faith and indicates they will get their chance. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Critchley has "so many things" he wants to discuss with new Hearts sporting director Graeme Jones. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Rangers are edging closer to the signing of Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland, who is out of contract next summer, in the January transfer window, with a possible cut-price deal on the cards. (Football Insider), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Watch Sportscene analysis of Hearts' 4-1 defeat against Celtic.

Watch highlights of Hearts' 4-1 defeat against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Hearts' 4-1 defeat against Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Chris: Another embarrassing display overall with no real substantial threat, and Celtic tore us apart at their whim when felt like doing so. How we stick with a striker who can't score baffles me and the remainder of our squad has zero capabilities. Hopefully analytics recruitment works otherwise the team will make history as Hearts' worst side.

Keith: It's time we dropped Lawrence Shankland and give James Wilson a go, what have we got to lose?

Finn: It's the same old story. Get into great chances and not take them but the worst part is James Penrice is suspended for the Aberdeen game. Was already not confident about that game.

Steve: First half we showed we can play attractive football, Craig Gordon, James Penrice, Frankie Kent and Kye Rowles in particular. What does Shankland need to do to get subbed? I don't doubt his commitment but he's so out of form, top scorer playing 20 yards in his own half with no pace on the break. Musa Drammeh has looked a far better option every time he’s played.

Ian: Missing chances and poor defending, a recipe for relegation. How long do we wait for those so called good players we're supposed to have to start performing on a regular basis? Shankland’s getting criticism for missing chances, fair enough, but what about the very poor defending? The midfield going missing? We need to go on an unbeaten run and soon.

Will: I can't believe Hearts keep playing Shankland every week when he's not going to sign a new contract and worse he's not scoring. You can’t live on what he's done in the past. Put him and Kenneth Vargas in the B team. There's a good player in young Wilson, he wants to be at Hearts and scores when he gets games.

Chris: We are a one half team, I said it at half time and by full time it was proven true. Competitive and driven in the first, listless and toothless in the second. Shankland can go in January, I’m not sure why he still has the armband, he’s not our captain. Penrice has been the signing of the season, he's brilliant and deserves better.

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Hearts head coach Neil Critchley backed captain Lawrence Shankland to come good in front of goal after another frustrating display in Saturday's defeat by Celtic.

The Scotland striker spurned two gilt-edged chances at Tynecastle with the score still goalless, and looks low on confidence having only scored once in all competitions this season.

Shankland told media this week that there is no new contract on the table, with his existing deal due to expire in the summer, saying: "At this moment in time, my contract will be finishing. I won't have one at Hearts, so that indicates that you move on."

However, Critchley insists there is no reason to doubt Shankland's commitment to the Gorgie club between now and the summer.

"His all-round game has been excellent in the last few games, and you saw that again tonight," Critchley said after the Celtic loss.

"He put a real shift in, and he just needs one of those moments to go for him. He needs to stick at it, and we need to stick with him.

"He's contracted to the end of the season and when you see the way he plays tonight there's no reason to doubt his commitment to Hearts."

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• Celtic have scored seven goals via substitutes in the Premiership this season, only Aberdeen (eight) have scored more.

• Hearts have conceded six goals to opposition substitutes in the Premiership this season, no team has conceded more.

• Celtic have scored in 12 of their 12 games, no team has done so more often in the Premiership this season.

• Hearts have conceded four penalties in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

Clinical Celtic moved three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with what eventually proved a straightforward win over Hearts at Tynecastle.

After Aberdeen's first league loss of the season earlier on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers' side knew they could put daylight between themselves and the Dons for the first time this term with victory in the capital.

However, they started slowly and were fortunate to go in at half-time on level terms after Blair Spittal and Lawrence Shankland spurned golden chances to give Hearts the lead.

It was a different story after the break though and Kyogo Furuhashi's seventh goal of the season put Celtic in front at the second attempt after Craig Gordon initially saved when Daniel Oyegoke's clearance deflected into the Japanese striker's path.

A wonderful break and finish from Nicholas Kuhn doubled Celtic's advantage five minutes later and the result was never in doubt from that point onwards.

Adam Idah added a third after some tidy passing on the edge of the Hearts box despite the best efforts of goalkeeper Gordon.

Neil Critchley's side continued to show impressive industry, and were rewarded for their efforts when substitute Musa Drammeh grabbed a late consolation, beating Kasper Schmeichel from long range with a powerful drive.

Idah then made it four from the penalty spot in time added on after James Forrest was tripped by Jorge Grant, to cap an excellent second-half showing from his side.

Hearts fans, were you at Tynecastle or following along from home? Either way, we want your thoughts on the game. Have your say., external