Frankie McAvoy gushes over Hearts fans that sparked 'special' Conference League fightback in Rosenborg rollercoaster

Frankie McAvoy hailed the character of his Hearts side after admitting to a rollercoaster of emotions in their last gasp win over Rosenborg.

A brilliant Cammy Devlin double and Lawrence Shankland strike lined up a Europa Conference League play-off clash with Greek outfit PAOK after an evening of glory on Gorgie. The Jambos had to fight back from falling behind to an early Rosenborg opener which had the capital club trailing 3-1 on aggregate only to surge through 4-3 with a stunning rescue act.

It left head coach McAvoy to sum of a match which will live in the memory which he believes was all abouts guts and a refusal to be beaten. He said: “It was a rollercoaster of emotions at the side of the pitch. We lose an early goal, which wasn’t ideal if I’m honest with you. And we looked a little tentative at the beginning, I don't know if the occasion got to some of us.

“But character sums up the team. We came back, 3-1 down on aggregate, to win 4-3 on the night and the players deserve immense credit. The support drove us on, it was a special occasion. Tynecastle under the lights is difficult and daunting for anyone. They're a good team, you saw that tonight.

“They had more of the ball than they did last week and they were more in our faces. So over the piece I am delighted for everyone connected with Hearts that we’re through to the next round.

"The Ultras behind the goal really make it a big occasion in Scottish football and it is great to see because the fans really make it here. I can't speak highly enough of them. They drove us on and that's fantastic. Everyone talks about cliches of a 12th man, they were that tonight.

McAvoy had a special mention for two goal hero Devlin and insisted his good fortune at the deflected