John McGlynn has challenged his Hearts players to be mentally strong following their heartening Europa League performance.
After losing a two goal lead to ten man Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday, the Tynecastle men matched English aristocrats Liverpool all over the pitch before losing to a cruel late own-goal on Thursday.
McGlynn hoping his players can maintain their performance levels and learn to be more mentally tough in the bread and butter of the SPL.
The Hearts manager said: “We want the players to take confidence but the doubt in my mind at the moment is our consistency levels.
“We have to get that consistency week-in, week-out and be mentally strong. It’s not about just rising to the challenge.
“We can’t be 2-0 up and playing against ten men and start switching off – that shows that we are mentally weak.
“There’s a balance to be struck before we can say we’ve got the formula right.”
Hearts could be forced into changes for the trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday. David Templeton is suspended for the match, while Marius Zaliukas and Danny Grainger are doubts.
Zaliukas took a pain-killing injection to face Liverpool, while left back Grainger is struggling with a knock to his knee.
McGlynn added: “It’s going to be a difficult game, Aberdeen have started the season well.”
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