Robbie Neilson reveals Hearts masterplan to stop Mesut Ozil as he sets brash Europa Conference League target

Robbie Neilson insists Hearts can shackle star-studded Istanbul Basaksehir and Fiorentina - even if they have to put four players on Mesut Ozil.

The Jambos will face the Turkish and Italian big guns as well as Latvian champions RFS in the Europa Conference League after Friday's draw brought them together in Group A. Former Arsenal and Germany superstar Ozil is just one of a stack of big names heading to Tynecastle alongside his Istanbul team mate Nacer Chadli and Fiorentina trio Luka Jovic, Cristiano Biraghi and Giacomo Bonaventura.

And while a Europa League play-off defeat to FC Zurich on Thursday saw Hearts fall into the third tier competition and left fans deflated, Neilson insists trips to Florence and Turkey will soon pick them up. Asked who he’ll task with stopping Ozil the Jambos boss - who is close to signing midfielder Orestis Kiomourtzoglou from Dutch second division side Heracles Almelo - joked: "I'll need to pick about four of them I think!

“It's great to be going in at that level, for the boys to experience facing these guys who have been at the very top. We can go in with confidence. If we can match the intensity and belief of Thursday night then we can take teams on.

"I think it's a great draw. The trips will be brilliant for the fans.

“Fiorentina need no introduction. They have been one of the top teams in Europe for a number of years, they've played in all the tournaments and won trophies. Istanbul will be an unbelievable atmosphere, as you get in these places. For the fans, players and staff to experience it will be great.

“Latvia is a different country for us all and hopefully a chance to go and play well and pick up points. We're delighted to get into any European group stage. Where we have come