Unbeaten Hearts head into their next Conference League game expecting a step up in the quality of opposition.
The Jambos ground out victory in Azerbaijan against Dinamo Minsk during Liam Fox’s temporary stint in charge of the team, Yan Dhanda’s late winner lifting the mood around a club that struggled domestically.
Then, in Neil Critchley’s second game in charge, they blew Omonia Nicosia away with an electric first half performance and goals from Alan Forrest and Blair Spittal.
The Tynecastle men have a very real chance of progressing to the knockout stages and competing in Europe beyond Christmas.
Up next though is last season’s Bundesliga shock troops Heidenheim who are likely to be a different proposition altogether.
However, Frank Schmidt’s side haven’t performed as well this season and so another three points could be there for the taking for the Jambos.
Critchley has rotated his side in most games amid a packed schedule and Not the Old Firm has had a go at predicting his XI for the visit of the Germans.
GK – Craig Gordon – The 41-year-old has re-established himself as the Hearts number one and is keeping Zander Clark on the bench currently.
RB – Daniel Oyegoke – Has swapped in and out with youngster Adam Forrester at right-back but Oyegoke’s slight bit more experience could give him the edge here.
CB – Frankie Kent – Relishes games like this and you would expect him to rise to the occasion once again.
CB – Kye Rowles – Many of his better games come in Europe away from the rough and tumble of the Premiership.
LB – Stephen Kingsley – Critchley turned to him for experience and defensive stability for the last Euro game against Omonia and it could be the same here.
CM – Malachi Boateng – One of the star turns against the Cypriots. So good at winning the ball back and that will be needed here, especially against Heidenheim’s transitional style.
CM – Beni Baningime – What a difference he makes to the side and he was outstanding on his return vs St Johnstone. Can sit in beside Boateng to give Hearts a solidity.
CM – Blair Spittal – Played in a sort of free role in the Omonia game, just off Lawrence Shankland and roaming about everywhere. Can do the similar again but may have more defensive responsibility this time.
RM – Yan Dhanda – Maybe hasn’t reached his potential playing wide but can still do a job for the team.
LM – Alan Forrest – A couple of goals recently and can offer the team plenty of running in both directions.
ST – Lawrence Shankland – Will be asked to lead the line again and everyone knows what his capable of despite recent frustrations.