BBC Scotland have secured the rights to show live coverage of the European ties involving Edinburgh’s big two clubs this week – Hibernian versus Aston Villa and Hearts against PAOK Salonika.

After their 5-3 aggregate victory over Luzern, Hibs are seeking to overcome Aston Villa – whose squad includes ex-Easter Road favourite John McGinn - in the play-off round of the UEFA Conference League.

Hibernian are taking on Villa over two legs for a spot in the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League with the first leg taking place at Easter Road on Wednesday, 23 August.

Sportscene will be at Hibernian for the home leg, with live coverage beginning at 5.30pm on the BBC Scotland channel, kick off at 5.45 pm. The match will also be streamed live on the BBC Scotland sport website and on iPlayer.

The following night, Thursday 24 August, Sportscene will be across the city at Tynecastle Park for the visit of PAOK Salonika as Hearts also seek a place in the Europa Conference League group phase.

Hearts came from behind to overcome Rosenborg in the last round and will have their sights set on another aggregate victory against Greek opponents to go into the pot for the group stage.

Sportscene’s live coverage on the BBC Scotland channel begins at 7.30 pm, with the match kicking off at 7.45 pm. The game will also be streamed live on the BBC Scotland sport website and on the BBC iPlayer.

The broadcaster, which recently secured an extension for its regular live coverage of the SPFL Championship on the BBC Scotland channel, has been showing a number of European games this month following successful rights bids.