Calum going in for the Kil

REMEMBER that balmy day last July? Rugby Park bathed in sunshine, new players recruited by a new manager in George Burley, a new era for supporters to salivate over. There was even a new strip.

That opening day of season 2005-06 was little more than five-and-a-half months ago. Hard to believe, isn't it? If ever a period of Hearts' history could be tagged with the term "rollercoaster", it's been the first half of this campaign.

Burley's ten-game unbeaten league run, then his sacking, followed by that of chief executive Phil Anderton and the resignation of chairman George Foulkes, the controversy over Graham Rix's appointment and finally a return in recent weeks to the dominant form of Burley's tenure.

It's enough to have anyone of a maroon persuasion reaching for the tranquillisers, but ahead of tomorrow's return to the scene of opening-day glory it is worth highlighting a major positive to emerge from the uncertainty. Calum Elliot.

If Hearts' half-term report for this season could be graded as an overall B-plus, nothing other than straight As would appear beside the name of their 18-year-old home-grown striker, who first made an impression on the club's last sojourn to Ayrshire.

After rising in prominence to become the undisputed leading striker for Hearts in recent weeks, Elliot will again head the attack tomorrow alongside Michal Pospisil, with Christophe Berra preparing to deputise for the suspended Steven Pressley in central defence and new signing Neil McCann likely to replace Rudi Skacel, who is also banned, on the left flank.

Elliot would have had little idea of the turbulent but nonetheless credible season that lay ahead for his club when replacing Roman Bednar in the 4-2 win against Kilmarnock back on July 30, but he did manage to evince his potential during that short appearance and has since accelerated his footballing evolution to stand as an able deputy for experienced stars like Edgaras Jankauskas and the aforementioned Bednar.

"I just wanted to try and impress the new manager in our first game so I could play in the next game against Hibs," said the youngster in blissful simplicity. "Thankfully there were a few injuries and I got in, the following week which was superb.

"It was great to be involved on the opening day and for my first start to be against Hibs in a 4-0 victory was the icing on the cake. It was a good time for me. Great to get a taste of it but I've now started the last five games which makes me want more. That's why I have to keep trying to impress.

"The coaches had told me to be confident and not get overawed, and each time I'm out playing I'm enjoying it because of the help and advice I've been given. I want to keep starting, but if the manager wants to do something else I have to accept it as his decision. I'll always give my best when picked.

"I'm raring to go for the weekend. Over the last few games I've been quite pleased with my form and I want that to help us to three points against Kilmarnock."

Elliot's progress this season, which saw him secure the Bank of Scotland Young Player of the Month award for December followed by a new three-year contract, has been to the palpable delight of his parents. But Mr and Mrs Elliot are now confronted by the daunting dilemma each Saturday of which son to lend their support to.

"My brother, Ross, plays for Edinburgh United in the juniors so they have to try and see him playing, too," acknowledged Elliot. "They sometimes alternate the games they attend. They have to weigh it up sometimes and be fair to both of us.

"My parents are delighted for me but I'm here to do it for myself. Family is important but I'm not here for them. As long as I'm playing, that's all that matters."

Ironically, Ross was in the Edinburgh United side which played Hearts' under-19s last weekend in a game that granted the highly-rated Bulgarian striker Branimar Kostadinov his first appearance in a maroon shirt.

Elliot could have been facing his brother that day and made his parents' choice of destination for the afternoon a simple one, as he is still eligible to play at under-19 level. But with bigger fish to fry in the Tynecastle first team it provides the perfect opportunity for some sibling rivalry.

"Ross knows I would always beat him.

"He's a central midfield player and quite good. We used to play in the school team together both at primary and secondary and we've grown up round about here."

The local boy who is currently touching the heights, Elliot is not naive enough to expect his place in the side to remain unchallenged. Lulls in form are almost guaranteed with teenagers, but that for now there is too much excitement surrounding Hearts to be downbeat.

"I'm not really thinking about it just now, but probably when I drop out the side I'll think about the progress I've made. I expect it will be the end of the season before it properly settles in, if I've done well and where I can improve.

"I just have to try to be consistent and force the manager to play me. That only happens if you play well and score goals. I've only got two so far so I'll have to be getting more of them.

"When the injured guys are fit again, Jankauskas and Bednar, I'll have a lot stiffer competition for my place so if I do find myself dropped I have to stay confident, and keep working had in training or reserve games if it comes to that."

Evidently a lot lies in front of the young Elliot, although he could be forgiven for being momentarily distracted as another examination of his capabilities awaits him in the coming days.

The dreaded driving test will be undertaken by Elliot this Tuesday, although like his on-field displays for Hearts he is remaining notably unperturbed.

"I'm not too bothered as yet. I'd rather be playing football for Hearts than driving, so that's what I'm concentrating on. I only live ten minutes away so I get the bus to training in the morning. I'm quite happy with that."

And why shouldn't he be? These last few months have brought Calum Elliot a long way and, with an SPL title and Scottish Cup challenge being mounted, the remainder of the season could take him yet further.

Without any need at all for a car.

Taken from the Scotsman