Neilson happy before Hearts opener
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson believes a defeat to Everton was the perfect final work-out ahead of the start of their competitive season.
The Ladbrokes Championship title winners start the season at home to Arbroath in the first round of the League Cup on Thursday evening.
Hearts finished their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 loss to Everton at Tynecastle, as Romelu Lukaku scored two penalties among a hat-trick following Callum Paterson's headed opener.
Neilson told the club's official website: "The Everton match was great. It allowed us to see where we were against genuine giants of the game and it was a great workout.
"We're now ready to start the season and we're looking forward to running back out at Tynecastle, hopefully in font of a big crowd.
"Arbroath will be a tough test but we'll prepare properly, work hard and hopefully find ourselves in the draw for the next round."
Arbroath welcome Kieran McWalter back to their squad after suspension, however, they are missing Mark Whatley with a knee injury.
Craig Johnstone is a doubt after a head knock and competition rules mean that the Gayfield men are not able to call on Michael Jones and Gary Philips, who were trialists in the 4-1 defeat by Dunfermline at the weekend.
Manager Todd Lumsden said: "This is a good game for us to have after losing at the weekend as everyone will take a lift from playing at Tynecastle.
"However we also need to show that we have learned and start the game well as opposed to losing quick goals."
Source: PAR
