Calvin Miller admits he is still struggling to comprehend Hearts’ dramatic victory over Rapid Vienna that secured the club’s place in the UEFA Conference League, as the Jambos prepare for their first home fixture in the competition against Nordsjælland.
Miller’s extra-time strike appeared to have sealed qualification before Rapid Vienna responded with a late equaliser moments from the end of extra time. Despite the setback, Hearts kept their composure and ultimately booked their place in the Conference League for the first time since 2024.
With a demanding run of eight matches in the next three weeks, Miller insists the squad are relishing the challenge. Hearts face a packed schedule that includes Conference League fixtures, Premiership clashes with Celtic and Rangers, and a highly anticipated Hampden semi-final against Hibs.
“It’s huge, especially for the league as well,” Miller said.
“Everyone’s going to be needed and you’ve got to be ready and be in tip-top condition.
“It’s nuts, but when you’re playing at this level, competing on multiple fronts and games are coming thick and fast, it’s exactly where you want to be.”
The 28-year-old, who joined Hearts from Falkirk in June, has made an immediate impact under Wouter Vrancken, contributing three goals and and an assist in the league already this season. Having helped Falkirk secure back-to-back league titles under John McGlynn, Miller reflects proudly on his journey but believes there is still much more to come.
“If you look at where I was maybe three years ago, it really puts things into perspective,” he added.
“Going from League One football to playing in Europe is the sort of thing you dream about as a kid. To be competing at this level and experiencing nights like that is something I’ll never take for granted.
“Right now, it’s still quite surreal. That night in Vienna is something I still can’t quite believe happened.
“I’m just trying to keep working hard and making more of those dreams become reality.”
In the Conference League, Hearts welcome Danish side Nordsjælland to Tynecastle this evening before turning their attention to next Thursday’s league-phase encounter away to Trabzonspor, where they will come up against a side led by former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
