Vrancken shuts out Hearts schedule moans as he reminds stars what they're up against in Conference League

Hearts manager Vrancken warns his squad to embrace the gruelling Conference League schedule, insisting top professionals must adapt to playing twice a week.

Hearts face Nordsjaelland in their Conference League group opener on Thursday, with the Danish side sitting fourth in the Superliga and having beaten GAIS, Valur and St Gallen in qualifying. Manager Wouter Vrancken acknowledged the quality of the opposition but refused to complain about the demanding fixture list ahead, arguing that elite clubs must accept the challenge of juggling European and domestic commitments. Hearts have also scheduled trips to face Trabzonspor, Thun and Pafos before Christmas.