Hearts pre season plans 'revealed' as Robbie Neilson prepares for European assault

Hearts are planning a summer training camp in southern Spain as part of their preparations for next season.

The Scottish Cup finalists made a storming return to the top flight this season as they scored third place in the Scottish Premiership and booked a place in next month’s Hampden showpiece against Rangers.

That ensured a return to continental competition and the Jambos are firming up plans to prepare for the next campaign.

And a trip to a training base in the Marbella region is on the cards, according to a report in the Evening News.

They are also looking at potentially two friendly games in England in July ahead of the big top flight kick off on the weekend of July 30/31.

Hearts return to Europe for the first time in six years when Robbie Neilson suffered embarrassment during his first spell as Gorgie gaffer.

The Jambos went out to Maltese minnows Birkirkara in the Europa League, losing 2-1 at Tynecastle after a goalless draw away from home in the first leg.

Neilson was in his first managerial job and admitted at the time that it was a learning curve for him and his players.

He said: "This is a whole new environment for the players, it's European football, and it's about learning and developing. It’s a huge learning curve.”

Neilson will be hoping to improve given the experience he has gained since then at MK Dons and Dundee United before his Hearts return.