The summer of 1984 was a memorable one for Hearts supporters. The club had just ended season 1983-84 - their first season back in the Premier League after two seasons spent in the First Division - in a remarkable fifth place. Astonishing for a promoted side - astounding when you consider this was enough for entry into the following season's UEFA Cup.

And when the draw for the first round was made in July, Hearts fans could scarcely believe the news. Hearts were paired with Paris St. Germain. French football was on a high with the national side having lifted the European Championship in the summer of 1984. Now, Hearts were heading for the same Parc de Princes venue. Having sampled the delights of Douglas Park and Boghead a little over a year before, Hearts fans could hardly wait to head for Paris!

Hearts return to the real big time - European football - came on September 19th when the boys in maroon ran on to the Parc de Princes to face Paris St. Germain. Despite a spirited performance, the gulf in class was obvious. St. Germain, with of the best midfield players in the world in Dominique Rochteau, were one of the leading sides in Europe whereas Hearts had failed to beat Alloa Athletic less than eighteen months before.

Hearts defended resolutely in the opening twenty minutes but once Suaic opened the scoring after 22 minutes, there was only going to be one winner. The Frenchmen ran out easy 4-0 winners of the first leg although the chant of Bonjour, Bonjour, Nous Sommes les Gorgie Garcons from three thousand Hearts supporters in the famous old Parisian stadium bemused the residents of the French capital.

The tie may have been over as a contest after that first leg but the return at Tynecastle a fortnight later still attracted a crowd of 10,023 keen for a look at the star-studded line up of Hearts glamorous opponents.

Hearts: Smith, Cowie, Whittaker, Levein, Kidd, Black, Bowman, Bone, Park, Robertson, Johnston.

Manager Alex MacDonald was honest enough not to raise fans expectations by declaring his hope of an early Hearts goal to give the Jambos a chance - a decision proved correct when Niederbacher scored after just ten minutes to put the French aces 5-0 up on aggregate. Gorgie heaved a collective sigh but watched a remarkable contrast in styles - the flamboyant technique and flair of the French against the hard working and totally committed Scots, even at five goals down.

Hearts gained reward for their efforts when John Robertson scored the club's first goal in European competition since Willie Gibson's counter at Tynecastle in 1976 but hopes of going in at half-time with the second leg scores level were dashed when Jeannol netted a second for Paris in the 44th minute. Nonetheless Hearts received a well deserved ovation from the fans at half-time, a recognition of their efforts.

The second half was something if a non event as the French were content to spray passes all over the Tynecastle pitch without an undue haste to add to their score. Hears for their part wanted to gain some credibility by at least securing a draw against one of the best sides in Europe and their wish was granted when John Robertson - who else? - netted a deserved equaliser with just four minutes to go to earn Hearts a fine 2-2 draw. A 6-2 defeat on aggregate it may have been but had been a fantastic adventure for everyone and conclusive proof that Hearts were back among the big boys.