Hearts: We'd apply for Tynie right if we make Euro groups

HEARTS will apply for special dispensation from UEFA to play European matches at Tynecastle should they reach the lucrative group stages of the Europa League.

UEFA stadium requirements could force the Edinburgh club to play away from Gorgie if they progress through the tournament's qualifying phase and into the groups. However, club officials will apply for dispensation in the hope of keeping their home group ties at their own ground.

Hearts must negotiate two qualifying rounds to make the group phase and will stage the home legs of their preliminary matches at Tynecastle without opposition from UEFA. However, should they advance, they will seek UEFA's permission to remain at Tynecastle.

"UEFA guidelines are clear and they become strict the further you go through the competition," said David Southern, Hearts' managing director. "For the earlier rounds we are fine but if we get to the group stages there is a question mark over playing at Tynecastle."

Hearts previously used Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Edinburgh Rugby, to host European ties in 2004 and 2006 due to issues with the size of Tynecastle's pitch and the fact they wished to maximise revenue at a bigger ground.

Club officials will do everything possible to ensure Tynecastle is able to hold Europa League games next season. Hearts will be seeded for the tournament's third qualifying round draw on July 15, but are likely to be unseeded should they progress to the subsequent play-off round.

Meanwhile, Hearts midfielder David Obua is on the verge qualifying for the African Nations Cup with Uganda for the first time in 34 years following Saturday's 2-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.

Uganda, coached by the former Hibs manager Bobby Williamson, now require only one win from their final two qualifying games to reach the 2012 finals.

Obua reacted angrily to being substituted by Williamson during the second half, ripping his shirt off and throwing it at the bench. The Scot played down the incident afterwards, saying: "David said sorry to me after the match but it is not high on my agenda.

"I'm not interested any more. David was disappointed to be taken off but I don't care. So long as we win football matches, I'm going to upset players."