Hearts player ratings: Five players score 7/10 as youngsters shine v Basaksehir

Ratings out of 10 for every Hearts player who featured against Istanbul Basaksehir in the final match of their Europa Conference league Group A campaign.

GK – CRAIG GORDON 5/10

Got it all wrong for the second goal, charging out of his box and failing to make contact with a lunge. But made two fine stops to deny Traore.

RCD – MICHAEL SMITH 5

Hearts players salute their supporters at the end of their Europa Conference League Group A campaign in Istanbul at the at Basaksehir Fatih Terim stadium. Picture: AP

Tried to play offside when it wasn’t really on for the second goal. Taken off at half time, presumably over fears of another injury.

CD – TOBY SIBBICK 6

Booked for a shirt-tug after being caught in possession, but came though a thorough examination and got better as the game went on.

LCD – LEWIS NEILSON 6

Euan Henderson, making his first start in a year and a half, vies for the ball with Basaksehir's Ahmed Touba . Picture: AP

Dropped his man for the first goal, underlining the improvement he needs to make. More comfortable when switched to the right at half time.

RWB – NATHANIEL ATKINSON 7

Welcome return after missing four games through injury for a player preparing for the World Cup. Covered lots of ground and found the net.

RCM – CAMMY DEVLIN 6

Refreshed after missing the last couple of games, the Australian was combative and put himself about in the holding midfield role.

CM – CONNOR SMITH 6

As ever, showed no shortage of energy and effort. Picked up a booking for lunging into a tackle and miscued a volley chance at the back post.

LCM – JORGE GRANT 7

Probably Hearts’ best player in the first half, breaking up play, seeing lots of the ball and using it well. Hearts need to more of this from him.

LWB – ALEX COCHRANE 6

Only outfield player to start every match in the group got on with the job. Moved to left centre-back at half time. Poor touch led to the third goal.

ST – ALAN FORREST 5

Playing through the middle, the winger found it tough playing with his back to goal and couldn’t really make things happen.

ST – EUAN HENDERSON 7

Making his first start since April 2021 in a fixture like this will be one he can treasure and learn from. Played with confidence and posed a threat.

SUB – ANDY HALLIDAY 6

For Michael Smith at half time. Slotted in at left wing-back. Could have had a third goal in three games. Booked after sticking up for Cochrane.

SUB – JOSH GINNELLY 6

For Forrest 63mins. Neat touches but couldn’t really get in position to really test the Basaksehir defence with his pace.

SUB – LAWRENCE SHANKLAND 7

For Henderson 64mins. Made a difference when he came on, making the ball stick and laying off for runners. Had big hand in the goal.

SUB – BARRIE MCKAY 6

For Connor Smith 64mins. Linked up well with Shankland a couple of times. Needs to rediscover his best form.

SUB – FINLAY POLLOCK 7

For Grant 82mins. Superb incisive break down the left wing set up the goal on rare opportunity for youngster on the big stage.

Player ratings scale

10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.