Nordsjaelland head coach Jens Olsen has admired Hearts' progress from afar but sees "a potential" for an away win as the Danes target progress to the knock-out stages of European competition for the first time. The 51-year-old is giving "the needed respect to Hearts" for Thursday's Conference League opener in Edinburgh but is not content with just being "proud" to lead his side to a group stage for only the third time. "I think it was 10 years ago or something, we've been in the Champions League group stage without winning," he said. "I think we got one point. "Then we were in the Conference League group stage three years ago, having 10 points in the group with four teams but didn't promote. So of course we want to break that wall down this time and try to play European football after New Year." Nevertheless, Olsen recognised Hearts' good recent form. "I have seen a lot of the games recently," he said. "A great season last year, changing the coach and also selling a few players, but I think they started well, and the new coach is trying to build some layer on the style of play. I think it's an interesting place that Hearts are in at the moment." Olsen recognised the threat from the "front four" of Claudio Braga, James Wilson and wingers Josh McPake and Calvin Miller. However, he was particularly impressed with right-back Jordi Altena. "Good dynamic player, can defend and can also overtake the wingers' position on the side," said Olsen, who said he had a difficult job balancing the need to win, selling young talent and trying to play "beautiful football".