Hearts striker Gary Glen is looking to kick on after injury and earn a regular starting spot in the side.
Striker aims to earn a regular Hearts starting spot after injury
Hearts striker Gary Glen is looking to kick on after injury and earn a regular starting spot in the side.
There is increased competition for spaces up front with the Jambos this term after the recruitment of Kevin Kyle and Stephen Elliott from Kilmarnock and Preston respectively.
While Glen has been unable to prove he was worthy of a place in Jim Jefferies' side in the first four fixtures of the season after suffering a hamstring injury, the 20-year-old is eager to return to full fitness and gain a regular starting spot.
He will be competing with Elliott, Calum Elliot and David Obua for the second forward place as Kyle appears to be a first choice for Jefferies, who coached the Scotland international at Kilmarnock.
But Glen is relishing the increased competition and hopes to force his way into the side.
He said: "It's been really frustrating.
"With the new strikers coming in you want to try and show the gaffer what you can do in training and pre-season friendlies.
"I've not had a chance to play in the friendlies.
"It's going to be hard fighting for a place but obviously you need that bit of competition to push yourself forward more and try and get yourself involved."
Looking forward
He added: "It's going to be hard but I'm looking forward to it.
"I think the gaffer's plan is to play Kevin and get boys around and about him to supply the ball."
Glen believes he can play up front alongside a player of Kyle's stature, an uncompromising 6ft 3in forward.
"I believe I can do a job," said Glen. "He's good at holding the ball, wins every header.
"It would be good in that sense and we've just got to find space.
"He's got a good touch and being a tall striker you look for headers, but he's got good feet as well."
Contention
Glen hopes to be in contention for Saturday's match at Inverness and aims to enjoy a run in the first team, having made a maximum of five successive appearances since making his Hearts debut in March 2007.
"I've been in and around the first team for a couple of seasons now," he added. I've not had the break that I would've liked.
"The most games I've ever played was five games in a row, when Stevie Frail was here when I first broke in.
"That's the longest run I've ever had and I just want to stay injury-free and hopefully that's the end of them and I can kick on to the end of the season."
