Fabio Ingolitsch spoke at Tynecastle today

Sturm Graz expect four to five changes to Hearts’ starting line-up for Tuesday’s Champions League tie at Tynecastle. Fabio Ingolitsch, the Sturm head coach, has an idea of what those will be, and he is also considering unleashing one of his own star men for the second leg.

The Austrians are firm favourites to progress as they hold a 4-0 lead from the first leg in Graz last week. Ingolitsch is being cautious with Otar Kiteishvili as the Georgian international midfielder is on the way back after injury. He played in the second half against Hearts and contributed an assist as Sturm converted their 1-0 half-time lead into a convincing 4-0 victory.

“I expect all or nothing,” said Ingolitsch when asked about Hearts. “I think they will try to go immediately to the front. They will try to have the lead very early in the game and when the stadium could come, then it's going to be more ugly for us for sure. We need to be prepared for this, especially in the starting phase. We try to have our clean sheet mentality like we are used to in the last season and also in the start of this season.

“We need to defend together but we need to stay proactive because it's not about defending 4-0, it's about winning the game and for sure we also want to score and want to win the game. Therefore we try to have a normal game but we know that it will be all or nothing. If we are very good in defending, I think we will get big spaces to have our transitional play and this is our biggest strength. We are really looking forward to this game.

“I think it will be quite open for sure. Hearts has to give everything from the first minute. They also need to take some more risks than we need to take. Therefore, like I told you before, I think we will get big spaces. Big spaces are perfect for us. Our players need that kind of space to get their strengths on the pitch. But we need to defend really, really good.

“We need to have a very clear and good mentality to be prepared for this atmosphere, for this special decision game. But I have a very good feeling for my team with a big self-confidence. We have a very good atmosphere in the team and all around the club. We are ready to make this last step over the line.”

Kiteishvili is in contention to play from the start for Sturm. “I hope so. Kitte always has a very big impact for our game,” stated Ingolitsch. “He is the best player in our club. He is the best player in Austria for the last few years. He didn't have a pre-season, so it's not so easy for him and also for us to give him the right load in the right moment.

“We all know about the importance of tomorrow's game. It's one of the guys we really need to take care of. We need to see after the final training today how is his body feeling, how is our feeling and then we need to make a final decision together if he can start or come from the bench again.”

When asked if he expects many changes from the Hearts starting line-up last week, Ingolitsch smiled: “Yes, I expect four to five changes. We will see tomorrow. I will let you know after the game.”