Djoum determined to savour European experience

HEARTS midfielder Arnaud Djoum says he is determined to saviour his side’s clash with FC Infonet after waiting a decade for his first taste of European action.

The Jambos open their Europa League qualifying campaign at home to the Estonians tonight.

And while the Tallinn minnows are expected to be a routine test for Robbie Neilson’s side, Djoum admits it will be one of the biggest moments of his career.

The 27-year-old Belgian has long dreamt of competing on the continental stage but has been frustrated more than once.

With former side Roda JC he twice suffered heartache in Holland after losing in the Eredivisie play-offs to reach the Europa League and left Polish outfit Lech Poznan last summer before they landed a glamour European tie with Fiorentina.

But his chance will finally arrive this week at Tynecastle.

“This is the first time for me in Europe, so everything is new,” Djoum said. “Hopefully we can do well.

“I came close twice with Roda and Lech Poznan and I was worried that I might not get my chance.

“But now I’m very excited because it is every player’s dream to play in a European competition. I will try my best and I hope we can go as far as possible because I think we have a good team.

“I want to make sure I can enjoy it as much as possible because this kind of thing can happen maybe once or twice in a career.

“I’m 27 now and I’ve waited a long time so this is a good moment to do it and I will make the most of it.”

Dark Blues manager Paul Hartley is working to bring in a centre-back.