Neil Critchley is hoping to give Hearts fans a night to remember by overcoming Cercle Brugge in the Conference League on Thursday night.

The Tynecastle club are 12th in the Conference League table with six points from three games before their trip to Belgium, and a win would leave them well placed to reach the next stage of the competition.

Critchley, who is taking charge of his first European away game with Hearts, said: “I’m really excited. There’s a different feel about travelling away in Europe.

“I’ve been here once before, many years ago, but it’s got a different feel about it this time. I know we’ve got a big following coming and I hope they have a great night tonight and a great day tomorrow.”

On the number of travelling supporters who have made the trip, the boss added: “It’s quite overwhelming.

“We bumped into a few of them in the airport, it’s fantastic. Sometimes you wish you were with them having a good time.

“That’s what it’s all about, following your club having a great time and hopefully we can produce a great memory for them tomorrow.”