Wouter Vrancken hailed Hearts hero James Wilson for a second-half wonder strike that helped keep the Jambos' Euro dream alive.
The Tynecastle teen climbed off the bench to net the goal of his life as the brave Jambos went toe to toe with free-scoring Rapid Vienna in a thrilling 2-2 Conference League play-off.
Hearts fought back from a goal down at half time to lead through a Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao own goal and sub Wilson's 30-yard wonder hit.
But Nikolaus Wurmbrand's 79th-minute leveller leaves the tie - and the £5m league phase spot - on a knife edge.
Vrancken praises Wilson's impact
Vrancken said: "Really happy, not only for James, but for everybody. It was a great goal, and such goals give you confidence, for sure."
"He's a young lad, so it's for sure for him an extra special. He has to also make the steps."
"He is coachable. But he has also got the experience in these games and that you only can get by taking minutes."
"So, let's hope he can make the next steps and we'll see."
Hearts' European journey continues
Hearts are in last chance saloon after being tired out of the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.
But Vrancken is convinced they have a real chance of grabbing a league phase spot if they can raise their levels another notch in Austria next Wednesday.
He said: "I'm happy. I think we showed some good team spirit and mentality in the second half, coming back there."
"Of course, a little bit disappointed that we couldn't take a bonus to Vienna."
"But I have to say, in the first half, we tried to do the good things, but the conviction was not there, and pressure, for example. The second half was much better."
"We could be dominant, we didn't give too much away. It's just a pity the two goals. One, we lost the ball a little bit too easily."
"The second one, we just gave the corner too easily away. We couldn't prevent these situations."
Confidence for the return leg
"But OK, I have to say I'm really proud of the players, what they've shown today, and with what energy they've shown today."
"The numbers that they get week by week are much more intensity numbers than they ever did, I think. So we made steps there."
"It's good to see, and it's all open next week."
"We knew what we could expect from Rapid. I think we did good today, because they created a lot of chances every game they played, and tonight was not that much."
"So structure-wise, and especially in the second half, we did really good things. Also on the ball, I think we could do better on the ball today, but it's good to point out towards the next game."
"But it's a good side and we have to be top again next week on Wednesday."
"When you are on 95 or 98 per cent of your qualities, then you will not make it. But when you are 100 and we can push ourselves a little bit more, even compared to today, then we have to believe in a good result."
