Hearts 1-0 Inverness CT

Apr 27 2008 Gavin Berry At Tynecastle

STEVIE FRAIL was delighted to see his Hearts kids grab the headlines but warned he needs old heads to help them next season. Gary Glen clinched victory with his second goal in as many games after the 18-year-old netted on his full debut last week.

And the match-winner was replaced by fellow teen striker Scott Robinson who became Jambos' youngest ever first-team player.

At just 16 years, one month and 14 days the frontman stole the record from Alan Redpath who was just over a month older when he made his debut in 1983.

Frail hailed the next generation of Gorgie stars on a day when nine players in his squad had come through the Hearts academy with eight of them under 21.

But the interim manager was cautious about putting too much pressure on their young shoulders and wants to bring in experienced players this summer.

Frail said: "It would be really difficult to go into next season with such an inexperienced side.

"When you have so many quality youths you are looking to bring in experienced players who still have a bit of hunger and desire, can enhance your squad and bring these boys forward.

"Hopefully that will be the thinking when we look to bring players in.

"Gary scored and I know he's a good prospect. He showed more of his ability, he's clever and brings others into play. The longer the game went on you could see him getting better.

"I hope we don't get too carried away and are jumping on Gary. But if he continues the way he is then he can be a big hero at Hearts."

Frail also hailed Robinson who was like a kid in a sweet shop after being given his big top-team break.

The caretaker boss said: "It was a huge day for Scott. We've had injuries and illnesses and I spoke to Under-19 coach Darren Murray who works closely with Scott and he told me to put him on the bench.

"I'm glad he got on and we have one happy 16-year-old but he had to rush away - he had a party with a bouncy castle to go to!"

Robinson's introduction for goal hero Glen was certainly greeted with more optimism than the arrival of Marius Zaliukas who was booed by the home fans when he replaced striker Calum Elliot.

But Frail defended the change. He said: "I just felt Marius might be able to get that extra touch to put Gary Glen in. I could hear the rumblings when I put him on because the fans thought it was a defender for a striker.

"I'm just happy Marius helped in the goal with his pass into Ruben Palazuelos."

Hearts started brightly and for all the talk of tartan talent around Tynecastle it was a Spaniard and Greek who combined for their first real chance.

Palazuelos swung in a corner from the right and Christos Karipidis saw his header crash off the bar.

Then Deividas Cesnauskis should have scored when Glen picked him out with a cross but missed the ball just a couple of yards out. Caley had few chances until just before halftime Steve Banks was forced into a hat-trick of saves from Don Cowie's free-kick, a David Proctor header and a Dennis Wyness shot.

But with 12 minutes left the deadlock was finally broken as Glen played a neat one-two with Palazuelos before drilling the ball beyond Michael Fraser.

MATCH STATS

SHOTS ON 8

SHOTS OFF 9

OFFSIDE 3

FOULS 14

CORNERS 14

BOOKINGS 2

SHOTS ON 4

SHOTS OFF 8

OFFSIDE 1

FOULS 8

CORNERS 8

BOOKINGS 1

REF WATCH

DOUGIE McDONALD easily handled this match that was like a training game at times. Rightly dished out three bookings for mistimed tackles. Rating: 6/10.

Taken from the Sunday Mail