Hearts can mount a title challenge again as Oisin McEntee strives to banish a career low at Celtic Park

Oisin McEntee returned from injury at the perfect time with Hearts navigating a punishing domestic and European schedule. The Irishman was the club’s best defender prior a tendon problem early last month. He was back in a traditional midfield role against Nordsjaelland on Thursday, but looked like an experienced striker prodding home the opening goal in the 1-1 UEFA Conference League draw. McEntee is nothing if not versatile.

His adaptability is something Hearts are certain to utilise over the coming weeks as they encounter big games in the Scottish Premiership, Premier Sports Cup and Conference League. Scoring an important goal - his first in European competition - was just the tonic McEntee needed after fighting back from injury. “I was just dying to get that goal and I'm delighted to get it, but I feel I could have got another one straight after with the header from the corner. It was a really good save from the keeper,” he said.

“It was a tough game and a really physical performance. I feel like there was a lot of running, and the way we played and pressed, we needed to do that. I feel like everyone put in a shift. Personally, it's my first full game in a long time, maybe four weeks, so it was a tough one but we obviously have substitutes to come on.

“I think it's a mix of emotions at the end. I feel like it's very positive because of the performance we put in. For a lot of the boys in the changing room, it was their first game in Europe, and I feel like we really did ourselves proud. The goal at the end does put a dampener on things, but I feel like we have to look at the positives.

“I think the mood in the camp, as I said, is positive. I think it's just about recovering our bodies, with everyone resting up and recovering. We'll get what we need to get done, have massages, get in the ice baths and stuff like that. I feel like Celtic have exactly the same to do, so there'll be no disadvantage there. We just have to recover.”

Clearly, he is already thinking about Hearts’ next game in Glasgow on Sunday. Celtic lost 4-1 at Benfica while Hearts played Nordsjaelland, a situation McEntee can empathise with after playing in Hearts’ 6-1 reverse against the same opponents in August. “Yeah, I think we were on the end of a heavier a result, but it's a tough place to go,” he said. “It's probably similar to our game, where there's so much running, and maybe there'll be more heat over there. But I think it'll be quite similar for both teams. We put in a shift, but the travelling for them is a lot.”

He wouldn’t be human if his mind didn’t drift back to 16 May when as Hearts team bus approaches Celtic Park’s front entrance. Losing the Premiership title on the last day was one of McEntee’s career lows and he wasn’t even involved. A thigh injury ended last season early for him but he will never forget the scenes he witnessed that afternoon.

“It was a tough one with a really bitter taste, and it was one of the toughest moments of my career,” explained the 25-year-old. “I think a lot of those boys in the squad now are new boys. They have their own careers, their own goals and stuff, so I don't think they'll be too fussed about it. They'll just want to go there and win the game. It's so early in the season and you want to pick up as many points as you can. It'll be a great place to do it, so I think all the boys are confident going into it.”

Hearts’ remit nowadays is not simply to aim for third place in the Premiership, as was previously the case at the start of each season. Tony Bloom’s investment and, in particular, Jamestown Analytics’ involvement has push ambitions significantly higher. They came within minutes of winning the title in May and McEntee believes they can challenge again this year.

“Yeah, I think so. I don't see why not. We've brought in so much talent. You see some of the boys coming in, like Josh McPake, Calvin Miller and Malachi Fagan-Walcott. They are huge players and I don't see why not.”