MANAGER'S GRAVEYARD

Euro group football is great for clubs but can spell disaster for the bosses

STEVEN NAISMITH has performed the European. juggling act before.

But so had Robbie Neilson and Barry Robson.

And Naismith will be aware of the danger signs flashing just as brightly as the glittering floodlights of the continent.

As Hearts power towards a third-place finish in the Premiership, there is an obvious narrative that surrounds the prospect of guaranteeing group-stage football in Europe.

Prestige is important. The opportunity for clubs to mix in such circles is vital for their profiles. But even more important are the wonderful riches on offer from UEFA.

Hearts will be able to bank an extra £5million next season when they return to the groups, either in the Europa or the Conference League.

That offers a big incentive and boost as they aim to close the gap on the Old Firm. It can help Naismith attract more quality and, in theory, give them an even bigger fighting chance of trying to compete domestically with Celtic and Rangers.

But, as Neilson and Robson found out, there can be a heavy cost if it doesn't go to plan and if you can't get it quite right in terms of the balancing act.

Hearts' last venture was educational. After losing to Zurich in the Europa League play-off, a Conference group featuring Fiorentina, Istanbul Basaksehir and Riga offered glamour and a chance of points.

Both were grasped, although it did not come without a price.

Hearts suffered domestically.