Frankie McAvoy insists Hearts CAN stage Europa Conference League rescue act despite PAOK defeat at Tynecastle

Frankie McAvoy insists Hearts are capable of performing a Europa Conference League rescue act after a first-leg play-off defeat to PAOK.

The Jambos head coach issued an emphatic note of defiance as they head to Greece next week trailing 2-1 despite proving more than a match for their opponents during another night of European drama at Tynecastle. Lawrence Shankland's opener from the spot was levelled almost immediately by Stefan Schwab's penalty and Andrija Zivkovic's late thunderbolt sealed the win for PAOK. That came just moments after the Hearts skipper had a glorious effort ruled out by an offside call.

But McAvoy is adamant all is not lost and his side can travel with a belief they have more than a fighting chance of turning the tie on its head. He said: "We know what we’ve got to do now - we’ve got to win the game and I believe that’s possible.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game and a tight affair. It was disappointing that we scored then they got a penalty so early after. Then we score with Shanks and it’s elation then it’s a sour note when it’s chopped off. Then they score from a corner. As for emotions, it's a disappointment with the result but in spells I felt our shape without the ball was really good. They try to hit on the counter and there were some pleasing moments."

Hearts conceded a leveller to the Greeks just three minutes after scoring the opener and McAvoy believes his side can't be accused of allowing the emotion of taking the lead getting the better of them. He said: "In the main we’ve done that well. It’s about keeping your composure and staying switched on at every opportunity. The goals were disappointing but we knew they are a good team. We just need to make sure we’re prepared as best we