Feyenoord v Hearts: Hearts striker Mark de Vries admits he would be devastated if injury wrecked his chance to shine in Holland.

The big hitman is suffering from a poisoned toe and is rated doubtful for tonight's UEFA Cup tie against Feyenoord at the de Kuip stadium in Rotterdam.

De Vries was plucked from obscurity in Holland by Hearts head coach Craig Levein after failing to make the breakthrough in his own country but he has emerged as a valuable find for the Tynecastle boss.

It was de Vries who grabbed the two goals against Braga to book Hearts' place in the group stages of the UEFA Cup after taking a painkilling injection before the game kicked off.

Similar last-ditch measures are not an option this time. He spent Tuesday night in hospital taking antibiotics to reduce the swelling in his toe and he can only hope the medication takes effect before tonight's game.

He said: "I don't want to think about missing out right now but I would be gutted if I had to sit it out. I have 40 people coming to the match - there will be a lot of people there who haven't had the chance to watch me in Scotland.

"I don't know if I'll be able to play but I want to play - especially this game because this is a bit special for me.

"I don't want to miss it so I'm going to wait until the last minute. If I can play then I will leave it up to the gaffer to decide."