RED-HOT Hearts striker Calum Elliot has admitted he started the season just hoping to be ACCEPTED by his team-mates.

The teen sensation's road to stardom continued in midweek when he netted a double on his Scotland Under-21 debut in the 4-0 rout of Iceland at Firhill.

Elliot, who only turns 19 at the end of this month, has come from nowhere this season to dazzle in Graham Rix's side. Instead of being on the fringes as he expected Elliot's goals are helping the Jambos in their bid to land a Champions League spot and lift the Scottish Cup.

Ahead of today's SPL clash at Livingston, Elliot said: "When I think back to the start of this season I didn't really feel part of it because I hadn't played many games.

"I was trying to impress the players and the gaffer so there was a lot of pressure.

"Once you play more games you feel part of it. Hopefully I've earned the respect of the other players.

"It has been a big surprise the way this season has gone. Injuries have helped get me into the team but if I keep scoring the boss will find it hard to drop me.

"I never really played for the reserves last year because the Under-19s

were going for the league.

"It's a big step but everyone has been different class in passing on advice. You learn from the likes of Edgaras Jankauskas every day and it's the same playing against top defenders like Steven Pressley and Andy Webster."

Elliot was delighted to make his first appearance for Scotland's Under-21s - even though he had to go off after a clash of heads with Zander Diamond. By that time he'd scored twice in front of club boss Rix and his family.

And the striker hopes his display for caretaker Scots gaffer Maurice Malpas has fired him into contention for a starting slot against Livi.

Elliot said: "It has been good working with Maurice - the training has been different class.

"Graham Rix told me he was going to Firhill. I was pleased he was making the effort - hopefully I'm in contention for today.

"All my family were through and I've kept my shirt which I'll get framed."

Taken from the Sunday Mail