How Hearts new boys rated as Alan Forrest bags a brace in thumping win over Europa FC

Alan Forrest was on the scoresheet as Hearts rounded off their pre-season training camp in Spain with a 4-0 victory over FC Europa.

Technically, the first Hearts goal of the 2022/23 season came after just eight minutes when Connor Smith burst forward before moving the ball to Euan Henderson, and the number nine for the night turned a ball round the corner to put Gary Mackay-Steven in on goal, and he slotted home. Smith himself then went close with a strike across goal, but it drifted just wide.

The young midfielder was heavily involved though after an impressive loan campaign with Queen's Park last year. The tempo dropped as the game went on and no wonder. At 30 degrees, it's the hottest it's been all week and the players could be forgiven for feeling the pace in the Spanish sun.

A raft of changes were made at half-time, with those taken off at the break making straight for the ice bath. Lewis Neilson, Euan Henderson and Connor Smith were the only players who featured in the first 45 to return after the break.

There was a debut goal not long after the restart, with another new signing playing a big part. Neat interplay between Jorge Grant and Liam Boyce was rewarded with a fine finish by Alan Forrest, who sent a stylish finish into the back of the net to double the Jambo's advantage.

Liam Boyce was inches away from a third after Barrie McKay volleyed a cross back across goal. The Northern Irishman read his intention, but just couldn't stretch enough to tap home at the back post.

Forrest almost scored an individual second. He collected a short corner on the byline, turned, then beat two mean before firing at goal, but his near post effort was blocked.

There was no stopping his second and Hearts' fourth. Barrie