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Josh McPake holds Hearts talks as he makes his feelings clear after a debut at Benfica Winger’s first outing for the Tynecastle club was in Lisbon Josh McPake has held talks with Hearts coach Wouter Vrancken as he seeks to make an impact with his new club. The winger made his debut against Benfica in the intimidating Estadio da Luz on Thursday evening and looked eager to impress. He spoke to Vrancken to find out where he stands and believes he can impose himself on the Tynecastle first team in the weeks ahead. After being omitted from last month’s European squad against Sturm Graz, McPake found himself on the periphery of Vrancken’s squad just weeks after joining Hearts from St Johnstone. He signed a pre-contract in January whilst Derek McInnes was in charge of the Edinburgh club. Vrancken took charge in June and McPake has had to wait for an opportunity under the Belgian. Restored to the European squad for the Europa League third qualifying round, he came on as a 73rd-minute substitute against Benfica in Lisbon. Hearts were 4-1 behind at that point but the 24-year-old’s performance showcased some of his running and dribbling ability. McPake explained that he had honest conversations with Vrancken after being overlooked for the Sturm tie. “Yeah, obviously that's just between me and the manager but there were certain reasons between me and him,” said the player. “I just got my head down, continued to work hard, and I was thankful I was in this one. That helps any player, I think, having honest conversations with your manager. I think I've had that with almost every manager I've had. There have always been honest conversations. But yeah, I had a good conversation with him the last time, I had a good conversation with him again, and I think he's like that with all the boys in the squad. He's a good communicator with us. “I think it’s just part and parcel of football. There are ups and downs. You can't get too high and you can't get too low. I knew my chance would come eventually and I'd get some sort of opportunity. I think I gave a wee glimpse on Thursday of what I can bring and hopefully I'll have more opportunities now as well. “The experience was obviously a bitter one, but a good one as well. That was my first game. It's a great stadium to come on in, but the way the game went kind of soured it a wee bit. Obviously, they are a top, top side. Everyone knows that. We've obviously learned a lot from them. It was just tough for the boys but I'm pleased I came on. It was a good experience for myself but, like I say, a sour one for us.” McPake didn’t look overly daunted against Benfica, taking the ball and running at full-back Alexander Bah on a couple of occasions. He was one of Hearts’ brighter players during the final period of the match. “I was just trying to make some sort of positive impact on the game,” he explained. “I wasn't really thinking about anything else at that moment. I wasn't trying to do anything other than that. “I hope he [Vrancken] has seen everyone in the squad now and we'll see what happens at the weekend. I'm pleased with coming on and getting that opportunity anyway. I think that's my game. As soon as I get the ball, I'm always thinking positively. I want to run and create chances so I think that's what I can offer. Hopefully I've shown him a wee glimmer of that and hopefully I can continue to show him.” The heavy defeat realistically leaves Hearts preparing for a drop into the Conference League play-off. They host Benfica at Tynecastle next Thursday, but there is little prospect of overturning the 6-1 deficit even with the home crowd on their side. Of more immediate priority is the Premiership match against Dundee United on Sunday. Hearts lost their opening league game at Aberdeen last weekend following two late goals for the home team. They must now recover from the trip to Portugal quickly. Vrancken may make one or two changes to his starting line-up and McPake is keen to be involved once again. “Of course, I've got to kick on,” he said. “I've not had the greatest start. It's been tough for us, obviously, but I do believe we can kick on from this. If we just nail down the principles of what the manager wants and what we can do as players, I think we can easily kick on.”