Hearts star left 'shivering' in Conference League shootout drama after being forced to watch game on phone
The Hearts midfielder had a nervous wait to see if his teammates could get to the Conference League.
Tomas Magnusson has swapped red card shivers for Conference League joy as he looks forward to Hearts’ continental tilt.
The Icelandic midfielder was sent off in the second half of last week’s Conference League play-off second leg at Rapid Vienna before his teammates dug deep to seal progress on penalties after extra time. That’s now obtained European clashes against Monaco and others before Christmas but up first is this season’s maiden Edinburgh derby at Easter Road against Hibs.
Speaking after a 2-1 win in the Premiership over St Johnstone on Saturday, Magnusson revealed how he was left watching the Rapid drama on his phone, and the relief that came with progress.
Tomas Magnusson on red card vs Rapid Vienna
“I was shivering in the locker room trying to watch it, but the guys were brilliant and I think they got it over the line,” said the 24-year-old. “ The guys can do it. They showed it and I always believed. Some will say it's a momentum shift - one man down, let's do it guys. They were brilliant. I think it's two fouls, two yellows. I think I catch the ball cleanly in the first foul. In the second yellow I'm just unlucky.
“I am trying to stick my feet before him. He does well in putting the leg into mine and getting me off, but I don't think the first yellow was a yellow. It was a great relief. I found the stream online on my phone. I was able to see it, but it was a big delay. I heard some noises and then had to check on some apps to see what it was. It was stressful. This is why you are in football. You want to play these big games and travel around the world. I'm really excited. It's my first time ever in the league phase, so I can't wait.”
There wasn’t much time to prepare for St Johnstone at Tynecastle as James Wilson’s strike and an Enes Alic own goal earned victory despite their visitors’ second half resurgence. After 120 minutes in Vienna, Hearts were back in Edinburgh on Thursday, leaving little room for devising a plan to down Simo Valakari’s men.
How will Hearts prepare for the Edinburgh derby?
“It's tough and obviously two days between the games and having to recover is harder, especially after 120 minutes,” explained Magnusson. You can see that a bit towards the end. It was not as fluid in the second half. We just flew in the day after, early morning, and got back the Thursday and training the day after. There's not much preparation and not too much video analysis on St Johnstone. We got some and went on the pitch but you don't want to do too much out on the training after 120 minutes. We did the best we could and showed what we'd done and got three points.”
Magnusson has fond memories of the Edinburgh derby from last season. He scored an 88th minute winner under the lights in Gorgie during a 1-0 win in February and sampled late joy last season at Easter Road. Blair Spittal’s goal clinched their 2-1 victory with second place eventually earned under previous boss Derek McInnes. New gaffer Wouter Vrancken has brought with him a different style of play that will bring a different element to the famous fixture. An evening kick-off will also bring with it hostility from three sides of the stadium they do battle in but that suits the Icelandic ace. He reckons it brings an added edge to his game as three points are sought before hosting Dundee on September 6.
“Yes, I think it keeps you going,” added the Hearts battler. “A bit of fire under you. It is enjoyable. The derbies are always amazing. It's similar pressure to what we had on Wednesday. The atmosphere in Easter Road will be crazy just like in Vienna. Hopefully we can just get another three points. It would be amazing to score again. Last year, you go in with a plan and then it's a bit chaotic, always. At least from the three games we played last season. We'll go in with a plan, but it'll be different to last season. We've got a new style of play and a new staff and everything. Just get over the line when it comes to it and try to follow some game plan. We've faced some good opponents now. It's been nine games, I think since all the competition started. We've gone through ups and downs and I think we're ready to go to Easter Road and face them.”