The most vital instruction Hearts' Australian World Cup trio were issued upon their departure for Qatar? Make sure you bring home a few collectors' items.

After all, you don't get to line up against Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe on football's grandest stage too often.

That is what awaits Kye Rowles, Nathaniel Atkinson and Cammy Devlin next week and their Hearts team-mate Toby Sibbick is backing them all the way.

He is particularly thrilled for centre-back partner Rowles, whose debut season in Scotland was interrupted by a broken metatarsal that placed him in the seemingly never ending queue for the Tynecastle treatment table.

All three are in contention to face reigning champions France on November 22 and Sibbick joked they had better not return to Gorgie without some world famous jerseys in their luggage.

"I hope they get a few good shirts against France," Sibbick said. "I’ve told them they need to get a few good ones. I’m happy for them. They have done well for us this season.

"Kye has been out injured and it’s great that he’s going to the World Cup. It shows what the manager thinks of him as a player.

‘Three of them are going and we will be right behind them. You can see in Kye’s performances that he’s a quality player. He is class to play with."

Hearts' Qatar contingent have already racked up the air miles this season, albeit in an ultimately disappointing campaign in the Europa Conference League.

Robbie Neilson's side finished third in their group as despite two wins over RFS, experienced continental campaigners in Istanbul Basaksehir and Fiorentina proved too strong.

But Sibbick believes a first foray into European football will serve as a valuable lesson for what is in store next week.

"Yes, European football should help prepare them for the World Cup," the former Barnsley defender said. "Cammy and Natty have had that experience and Kye’s had a little bit as well. Now they are going to be playing against the very best players in the World, especially France, who won the World Cup previously.

"They have top players and it will be great for the lads to test themselves against the likes of Mbappe and Benzema. We will be watching them.

"And it will also help Hearts. For any player going to the World Cup it will be a top class experience but they are still young.

"I’m sure they will have a great experience out there and I’m looking forward to them telling us all about it when they get back."

Sibbick finished Saturday's 1-1 Premiership draw with Livingston alongside Craig Halkett after VAR intervened to deem Rowles worthy of a red card.

Fitness issues have limited Halkett to only six appearances in all competitions so far this season but he has remained a constant presence around the Hearts camp.

The former Livingston star now has time to rebuild his fitness over the coming break and Sibbick hopes he is now back for good.

"It’s good to play alongside him," he said. "He’s played a lot of games at a high level and when he’s injured he comes into the dressing room at half and full time and gives us advice from what he’s seen from the side of the pitch. And when we win he’s on the pitch celebrating with us. It’s good to have him back in the dressing room full time.

"I have a funny relationship with him off the pitch. He’s a good character and we have good banter together.

"But we can also talk seriously as well."

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