Home star rising in the house of Elliot
Moira Gordon

BAGGING a European Championship-winner was a coup, but not even Vladimir Romanov's millions could lure a World Cup-winner from Highbury. Which renders Hearts latest bit of business a real cause for celebration, according to manager Graham Rix.

Speaking after young striker Calum Elliot signed a three-and-a-half-year contract to secure a long-term future at the club, the manager was effusive in his praise of the player who scored a double against Falkirk on Boxing Day.

"I think that's one of the best signings we could make, without a doubt. OK, if Thierry Henry comes then I might have to take that statement back, but no, I'm absolutely delighted. He's done great. He's a good lad, works hard and he deserves it. He is level-headed enough to know - and I've told him - that this is just the start, just an opportunity."

Still only 18, and possessed of the awkward shyness off the pitch of someone even younger, on it he is coming of age. Featuring in 15 of this season's first-team games, starting six of them, his biggest failing had been his inability to finish off goalscoring opportunities. He rectified that against Falkirk last week, scoring twice.

But with today's opponents, Celtic, to try to peg back as the remainder of the season unfolds, the opening of the January transfer window means Elliot is unlikely to be the last player to sign on the dotted line for the Gorgie club.

A whole host of foreign names have been linked with a January move to Tynecastle, but Rix believes there should always be scope for homegrown talent to prosper.

"I think it's important for the supporters that they can attach themselves to somebody who has come through the ranks. I think they are more forgiving of them and I think they know that when they kiss the badge they really mean it. For a lad like Calum, who has come in from the schoolboy teams to now signing a great deal that keeps him here a long time, and to do it at such a big time for the club as well - I mean it's not like we are in the doldrums, the club is flying - for Calum to get rewarded speaks volumes for the kid. I don't think there's anything better than seeing a young player come through the ranks."

Extolling the virtues of the teenager is an easy task for Rix, who admits he has had to play him more often than he might have due to injuries to his first-choice strikeforce, but he still had no worries about giving him the lone striker role a few weeks ago or asking to ruffle a few Celtic feathers this afternoon.

"The fact he scored those two goals against Falkirk has given him massive spring in his step and, when you are playing against Celtic or Rangers, or any big game, that's why you play football, that's what you dream about when you are ten years of age. Playing in that sort arena, a full house, top-of-the-table clash, live on TV: that's what it's all about and nothing seems to faze him. He's cool and level-headed. A smashing kid."

On the bench when Rangers came calling - and were forced to leave with tail between legs earlier this season - and a late substitute at Parkhead when they matched Celtic 1-1, the gentle progression to today's likely start means Elliot is aware of what to expect and excited by the challenge.

"It's good to be involved even if it is just watching to get used to the big games.

"It's difficult when you are shy and still trying to get to grips with playing in the first team, but hopefully I have learned a lot in the time I've been playing and I think I've learned a lot since the start of the season. You have to talk more and show for the ball more and be willing to take the ball if it's passed to you and obviously score goals.

"It's been good for my confidence to play as many game as I can but the scoring is what has really done wonders for my confidence.

"It would be different class if I can play in this game. It would be a dream come true to be involved in a massive game like Hearts v Celtic at the top of the league."

Rix isn't a man keen on discussing team matters with those outwith the dressing room, but he is candid enough to admit that "I might have a bit of a battle on my hands trying to keep Calum out the team. He's full of enthusiasm and listens to what I say to him and takes it on board". Especially last week.

"He [Rix] has said that I'm doing all right," said Elliot. "But before the Falkirk game he said to me 'you know what you've got to do?' and I just said 'aye, score!' and thankfully I did that.

"Obviously it was playing on my mind and I was trying to forget about it. But I knew I had to score soon or I might not get another chance. The manager kept on playing me and I can't thank him enough for that.

"Everyone at the club has been great, they've all said 'don't worry about it, just try to keep your head up', but the supporters are paying good money and they want their strikers to score so I try to do that for them.

"I've got more to me than just scoring goals but, obviously, as a striker you've got to score goals. I have been getting into positions to score goals but I haven't been taking my chances when I've been getting them. But, eventually, against Falkirk, I scored them."

Those goals will alleviate a lot of the pressure on the youngster's shoulders but, while he will get time and understanding, managers are rarely so blessed. With fans still split on Rix's managerial capabilities, the result and the performance against Falkirk last week could be a springboard. But with Celtic the opposition, it is all about whether the team dive effortlessly right back into the title tussle today or bellyflop in the bid.

Taken from the Scotsman