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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Robbie Neilson provides glowing Hearts praise for Jambos duo as Fiorentina clash gets 'massive' tag

Robbie Neilson anticipates Hearts duo Stephen Humphrys and Robert Snodgrass being key players for the Jambos.

Despite a 4-0 trouncing from Rangers in their latest Premiership outing, the Hearts boss was left impressed by what two of his summer signings put into the match. Humphrys turned in a tireless shift against the Light Blues backline while Snodgrass got 45 minutes and calmed down play following Cammy Devlin's red card at the end of the first half.

Confidence won't be an issue ahead of Thursday's huge Europa Conference League match against Serie A side Fiorentina and the Jambos manager insists that the duo can be key players going forward, with all attentions now turned to the continent. Neilson said: "Stephen is a good player. He’s got pace, power, physicality and can play in a number of positions. He showed what he can do. Snoddy is still getting his fitness levels but you can see the quality he brings. He’s out there talking and organising.

READ MORE: Former Hearts star Lee Wallace retires from playing football at 35

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"That’s why I brought him on. We had to work differently. He’ll be a really good player for us and that 45 will have helped him.

"They’ll be in on Sunday to prepare for Thursday. It’s a massive game (against Fiorentina). We have to make sure we keep 11 players on the pitch.

"When you’re playing against top teams, if you do that you’re in trouble. Although we were 2-0 down, I actually thought we were playing quite well. We were in the game and creating chances. The red card changed it totally."

READ MORE:

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- Hearts star Craig Gordon heaps praise on Ryan Porteous as he aims to remain Scotland No1 for years

- Hibs and Hearts to battle it out for Women's Capital Cup with fans able to attend for free

- Hartlepool chairman in 'didn't know' Paul Hartley admission after axing former Hearts and Hibs star

- Hearts injury latest on Craig Halkett, Kye Rowles and Lewis Neilson as Robbie Neilson gives update

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