Playing on the European stage for Heart of Midlothian is “a dream, especially for an Aussie kid” like Kye Rowles.

The defender is making up for lost time after missing out on the Conference League group stage two years ago through injury.

Now part of the side that has taken maximum points from the opening two matches in the new league phase format, Rowles also chalked up his second clean sheet in as many matches alongside centre-back partner Frankie Kent.

The Australian international barely put a foot wrong in Thursday’s 2-0 win over Omonia Nicosia, bursting into the opposition half on the odd occasion to join the attack.

Attention now turns to another huge match: the first derby of the season. A bottom-of-the-table clash, no less.

The momentum has certainly swung in favour of Hearts ahead of Sunday’s early kick-off at Easter Road, but Rowles won’t be fooled into thinking the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

There's a lot on the line.

“No one wants to be at the bottom,” said Rowles. “And, you know, even though we're both down there, that's actually a lot to play for. You just don't want to be down there. It's not a good feeling.

“Hopefully we can build on the momentum we've got this week.

“We know it's going to be a tough ask. We know what the atmosphere is like and what the game is going to be like. We just want to turn up, play our game.

“We've shown a different style of football, I think, the last two games and we just want to bring that intensity and be on the front foot and put in a performance the same as the last two games.

“We're just building that confidence, building that trust with each other. Obviously, it's a new system so we're still working out the system that the gaffer wants us to play, ironing out the kinks, trying to make sure that we're as close to perfect as possible.

"We just want to focus on just being at our best as much as possible. Sometimes you have an off day, but if you can minimise them, then we'll go a long way."

Hearts had the backing of a fantastic home support for Thursday’s win – as they did on Saturday for new head coach Neil Critchley’s first game in charge.

Another great backing will no doubt turn out at Easter Road on Sunday, but there will be the ire of the Hibernian supporters to deal with from three sides of the ground.

Rowles revels in such atmospheres, though questions the creativity of some of the barbs.

“I don't mind it, to be honest,” he said. “Sometimes it's funny. They come out with good shouts. So I like it when they get creative and stuff.

“Usually I just cop ‘ginger’. So that's a bit boring. Sometimes it spurs you on. I know for all our boys, we'll be spurred on by getting booed and much the like, things like that.

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“It gets you going. Gives you a lift in energy that, especially late on or if you're struggling for a period in the game and you hear that, you get a little burst of energy and that little kick of fight that you need.”

A hectic week for Hearts is followed by another hectic week – and another after that. Seven games across 24 days in all.

There have been a few international breaks already this season but, being a regular in the Australia defence, it has meant more games between long-haul flights for Rowles.

“You get used to it,” said the 26-year-old. “You're a bit of a zombie when you're travelling and that, especially back to Oz. But when you step on the pitch, you know what your job is and you just get it done.

“[On the flights] I'll just put the headphones on, ignore everyone else and try and sleep as much as possible. Move around when you're awake and just make sure you've got some good shows because it's a long time.”

But he would not change things. This time two years ago he missed out on the group stage of the same competition through injury, meaning he did not travel to Florence, Riga or Istanbul.

“I was stuck at home. I was still in my boot,” continued Rowles.

“But I got to come to the games here still, so that was good. The atmospheres were amazing, just like tonight.

“I was pretty gutted about that, missing out on that first campaign. But look, hopefully we can make up for it this time. I'm just buzzing to be out there, being able to play in those games.

"Maybe if I get injured, touch wood, I might have a complaint. But for now, like I'm just enjoying the games, keep them rolling, I reckon.”