Jim Jefferies anticipates big night after Hearts draw in Hungary

Jamie Hamill's penalty equalised Istvan Sipeki's opener, leaving Hearts with a considerable advantage for Thursday night's return leg in Edinburgh.

Jefferies explained the dangers posed by Paksi given their 3-0 victory away to Tromso in the previous round after a 1-1 home draw. However, he believed Hearts controlled last night's match and promised Paksi an awkward night in Scotland.

"You know what it's like European nights at Tynecastle. It's a different pressure," said Jefferies. "We restricted Paksi to very few chances and we were always threatening. We will have a right go in a week's time but we have to be careful after what happened in Tromso. The tie is not over. If we'd won 2-0 it wouldn't be as big a crowd next week, but now it will be a big crowd. We came here to do a job but it's only half-time. We came here to get an away goal and we've accomplished that.

"I thought we started the game well, we were pretty dominant in possession. We were doing all the right things and their goal was against the run of play. Their boy took it well but our midfielder (Ian Black] was off the park at the time and Paksi cashed in on an opportunity. We were the better side I felt and we got a break on half-time with the goal."

Paksi had protested at the award of the penalty for a foul on John Sutton, but Jefferies defended his striker. "The referee warned the defender and when the kick was taken he continued to pull the striker and you always get a penalty in those situations," he said.

David Obua started last night's match despite failing to train beforehand due to red tape problems and Jefferies declared himself pleased with the Ugandan. "I thought he got on the ball and was instrumental in setting a lot of play up without hitting the heights," he said.

"We have a lot of players playing European football for the first time: Hamill, McGowan, Templeton, Grainger and Stevenson. It's a big thing for them. Zaliukas and Mrowiec have played before. It's a great experience and I'm sure the guys involved for the first time learned a lot."