Hearts crashed out of the Conference League after a disappointing 2-2 home draw with Moldovan minnows Petrocub, missing out on a place in the play-off rounds.

A win against a Petrocub side who have picked up just one point from their previous five matches in the tournament would be enough to keep Neil Critchley’s side in the top 24 and into Friday’s play-off draw.

“Only ourselves to blame.”

Hearts captain Laurence Shankland gives a critical reflection on their defeat to Petrocub that saw them crash out of Europe. 🗣️

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But having trailed 1-0 at half-time to lead 2-1 through goals from teenager James Wilson and substitute Blair Spittal, Viktor Mudrak’s 83rd-minute penalty meant the Jumbos failed to make it through the group stage. Despite winning their first two matches.

‘We have only ourselves to blame’

Hearts Captain Laurence Shankland Told TNT Sports: “We only have ourselves to blame.

“They were solid defensively and hard to break down. The boys sometimes showed good character because it was hostile there.

From that (win) position we should really win the game. I don’t think the boys didn’t try or work hard, it was just a lack of quality.

“He hasn’t been there all season, it’s been disappointing.”

Table-toppers Chelsea are the only British team still in the competition as Welsh side The New Saints were also eliminated, losing 3-2 to Celje in Slovenia. Craig Harrison’s side are out with five defeats from six games.

Northern Ireland’s Larne were eliminated before the final night of the league stage – but their first European campaign ended with a historic win, as they beat Belgian outfit Genk 1-0 at Windsor Park.