Robbie Neilson demands more despite 4-1 win for Hearts

Robbie Neilson warned his Hearts players they will have to be far sharper against FC Zurich on Thursday than they were in their 4-1 win over Dundee United on Sunday.

The Jambos made it seven points from their opening three cinch Premiership games after putting the Terrors to the sword, with goals from Lawrence Shankland, Barrie McKay, Jorge Grant and Josh Ginnelly.

But Neilson believes they will have to step it up a notch in St Gallen on Thursday when they kick off their European campaign with a Europa League play-off first leg against Swiss champions Zurich.

“We started the game really well but I thought the first half we never played anywhere near the levels we normally play at,” said the manager.

“We were trying to force the play, giving it away and not doing the things we’d spoken about previously.

“We changed it at half-time and managed to get settled in the game and do what we’re good at.”

Asked if Hearts are now up to speed ahead of their trip to Switzerland, Neilson said: “We’re getting there.

“But I thought the first half we were pretty poor, similar to Ross County (on the opening day), and if we do that on Thursday night we will be two or three goals down. We need to start the game better.”

While Hearts are unbeaten in their three league games, Zurich are bottom of the Swiss table with just two points from their five domestic matches so far.

“They are still Swiss champions so we have to be respectful of that,” said Neilson. “They have not had a great start to the season but still have international players there and are the Swiss champions so we need to make sure that we play our best game.

“We need to bring that second-half performance (from the Dundee United game) and not the first, to give ourselves the best