Europa Conference League: Hearts leapfrog Fiorentina after win in Latvia

Meanwhile, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson believes the injury that forced centre-half Craig Halkett to be replaced before the break was not as bad as first feared.

Robbie Neilson is not looking too far ahead while admitting that the two games against "top, top team" Fiorentina could be crucial to Hearts' chances of progressing from their group.

"We had a couple of minutes of congratulations and then it was move on to Motherwell on Sunday," the manager tells BBC Scotland.

"It wasn't your typical European game - it was end to end. It was one both teams had to win and thankfully we have done that.

"We have had a difficult patch, but we've had a few injuries and the players are still confident.

"RFS are a very good side. They went to Fiorentina last week and got a draw and the majority of their players are full internationals."

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Quote Message: I was feeling a bit embarrassed last week, but we've had a draw for Celtic and a great win for Hearts. I'm feeling better about Scottish teams in Europe

I was feeling a bit embarrassed last week, but we've had a draw for Celtic and a great win for Hearts. I'm feeling better about Scottish teams in Europe

Here's how Hearts ended a run of six away games without a win, only their second win in eight games, and ended RFS's 10-game unbeaten run.

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Quote Message: If Hearts had lost this game, all sorts of problems would have come Robbie Neilson's way. Now we're talking about them possibly getting out the group. It's a huge win

If Hearts had lost this game, all sorts of problems would have come Robbie Neilson's way. Now we're talking about them possibly getting out the group. It's a huge win

Quote Message: I thought Ginnelly was excellent. It was one of his best performances in a Hearts jersey and I thought Alex Cochrane did well as well

I thought Ginnelly was excellent. It was one of his best performances in a Hearts jersey and I thought Alex Cochrane did well as well

Quote Message: It's a tough game for Hearts to look ahead to now at Fir Park. There were some tired legs out there, so they'll need to get a good rest

It's a tough game for Hearts to look ahead to now at Fir Park. There were some tired legs out there, so they'll need to get a good rest

Quote Message: It is a wonderful story and for any kid who's suffering through injury, keep pushing and all the pain can go away. You might be the next player to do what Craig Gordon has done

It is a wonderful story and for any kid who's suffering through injury, keep pushing and all the pain can go away. You might be the next player to do what Craig Gordon has done

Quote Message: Hearts will enjoy tonight but get back to business in an attempt to beat Motherwell on Sunday, which will be a difficult one. The real downside is that Craig Halkett looks like he has another bad injury

Hearts will enjoy tonight but get back to business in an attempt to beat Motherwell on Sunday, which will be a difficult one. The real downside is that Craig Halkett looks like he has another bad injury

The news from Turkey means Hearts move from bottom of Group A to second thanks to another convincing win for Istanbul Basaksehir.

The Turks, who thumped Hearts 4-0 in Edinburgh last week, have stunned Fiorentina 3-0.

Winger Serdar Gurler scored twice before striker Jonathan Ikone was sent off for the Italian visitors after 76 minutes and on-loan Aston Villa forward Bertrand Traore rubbed it in in the final seconds.

Quote Message: When the second goal went in, about £2000 worth of beer went flying up in the air. The Hearts fans went tonto!

When the second goal went in, about £2000 worth of beer went flying up in the air. The Hearts fans went tonto!

Quote Message: It's a brilliant night for the club. They have an inexperienced squad at European level, but that's a great result

It's a brilliant night for the club. They have an inexperienced squad at European level, but that's a great result

A first Conference League win for Hearts, a first group stage victory for a Scottish team this season.

Goals from Lawrence Shankland, from the penalty spot, and Alan Forrest in stoppage time secure the Group A points for the Edinburgh side in Latvia.

But they again have much to thank Craig Gordon for as the Scotland goalkeeper again showed his worth with some fine saves.

Quote Message: That's why you bring on Alan Forrest. When the game's stretched, he's got more room to work in

That's why you bring on Alan Forrest. When the game's stretched, he's got more room to work in