I NEARLY FINNISHED BEFORE I'D STARTED

JUHO MAKELA bagged his first hat-trick for Hearts in his first competitive start then admitted he almost quit the club last month.

The Finnish international revealed there had been interest from clubs in Germany and Switzerland during the August transfer window and that he thought of leaving the Tynecastle side in search of regular first-team football.

Instead Makela chose to stay and fight for his place and his reward came on Wednesday night with a treble in the 4-0 CIS Cup drubbing of Alloa.

Despite his goalscoring heroics, Hearts coach Valdas Ivanauskas conceded that he would be lucky to make the bench for tomorrow's game at Aberdeen.

Makela signed a three-and-ahalf year deal with the Gorgie club last January but admitted it has been a frustrating time for him and that he may still move in the January transfer window if he continues to be starved of first-team football.

Makela said: "That was my first hat-trick for Hearts and it was also my first time in the starting XI.

"I had scored hat-tricks before in Finland and of course I would like to think that this is the first of many starts for me as it has not been the best of times for me at Hearts.

"There was interest in me during the transfer window from clubs in Germany and Switzerland but the plans did not work out.

"Things change quickly in football and I am happy to be at Hearts but I want to play regular first-team football.

"I had a good conversation with Valdas and I made my point that I wanted to play more.

"I felt like I was the forgotten man at Hearts and it made me feel bad.

"If Hearts don't need me then what is the point of hanging around to sit on the bench or in the stands?

"I have been here for months and was waiting for my chance which finally came against Alloa.

"The next few months will be important as I want to advance my career, if I am just sitting in the stands then that will not help me.

"That will be very bad for my career, especially at international level.

"I was surprised to see the likes of Calum Elliot and Jamie Mole get their chance before me as I have played in the Finnish national team and in Champions League qualification matches."

Makela insists he has not been stung by the criticism and the fact that he has failed to live up to his £500,000 price tag.

And he is desperate to prove a point to Ivanauskas that he can be a hit for Hearts.

Makela said: "I had a purpose when I went on to the field and that was to score goals. I did well but we have seven strikers in our side and it is tough competition for places.

"I feel I have been written off and it gives me more motivation.

"I have not been given a chance to show what I can do.

"Of course people ask why I am not playing but I have to work harder to get in the team as there is so much quality in the squad.

"My hat-trick was a reminder to the manager that I am still here and can score goals."

Taken from the Daily Record