Lucas Tagliapietra is looking forward to going up against former teammate Osman Sow today, and says that he can shut out Heart’s powerful strike-force.

Tagliapietra played with Sow for FC Dacia, and they even took to the park together against Elfsborg in the Europa League in 2012.

Both Sow and strike partner Juanma helped themselves to doubles last week as the Jambos ran riot against Partick Thistle.

Hamilton’s Brazilian centre-back is confident though that their style will play right into his hands on his first visit to Tynecastle.

"I played with Sow in Moldova,” he said.

“I knew him and I know he's a good player. He is very powerful, great left foot, a really good player. He can play as a number nine or a winger as well. It will be tough against him.

“I've also played against Juanma before and I prefer playing against those kind of strikers.

"This is my first time away to Hearts. It will be difficult but we have already beaten them and we're looking forward to it. The last game was a great game - both teams have quality.

"The last time we beat them and it was their first defeat of the season. We know we have quality in our group and that gives us confidence. We just have to work hard and win the battles.

"It was a great atmosphere in the game at Hamilton. It's the game I remember the most because we had the mentality and maturity to come back. Even when we were losing we knew we could come back and change the result. It was special for me.

"I don't think they will look for revenge. What happened that game could've happened at any time. It was their first defeat in the league but they know we have quality and we know they do so it should be a good game. The other players have told me about the atmosphere at Tynecastle so I'm looking forward to it.”