Hartley targets big guns

Paul Hartley has admitted Hearts face a tough battle in Europe this summer.

Hearts star Paul Hartley has admitted the Edinburgh club face a tough fight to reach the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, but says they will not shirk the issue this summer.

The Jambos will face either Bosnians Siroki Brijeg or Shakhter of Belarus in next week's second qualifying round and Scottish international midfielder Hartley claims they will not take their opponents for granted.

"The first qualifying game will be hard, we have to play a Belarus team or the Bosnians," Hartley told Sky Sports News.

"Either way it will be hard, but if you get through that one you come into the big guns."

Victory could pit Hearts against a European giant and Hartley would not be overawed by a trip to London to take on Arsenal.

"The likes of Arsenal are in that round and we know it will be tough, but we will give it our best shot," he added.