Hearts 1 - 0 Inverness Ct

Scott Donnelly

"A star is born" declared the Tynecastle announcer and with his matchwinning strike, Gary Glen gave the Hearts supporters another reason to believe the hype.

Following on from last week's debut in the 3-2 win over St Mirren, which included a goal, assist and man-of-the-match award, the 18-year-old grafted and showed glimpses of genuine talent, playing a lead role in the build-up to his own second-half winner.

It was a day of new beginnings, with substitute Scott Robinson becoming the youngster-ever Hearts player at 16 years, one month and 14 days.
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Steven Frail, the Hearts coach, is trying to make the best of this season's bottom-six finish by using it as an opportunity to blood youngsters.

This policy carries risks but in the first half their enthusiasm showed. The Highlanders ground out only a couple of chances, with Steve Banks producing one outstanding save.

Those opportunities dried up in the second half, although Hearts' own efforts in front of goal were hindered by the lack of a targetman to partner Glen.

Frail introduced centre-back Marius Zaliukas as a stand-in striker in the 77th minute, a move that was poorly received.

Three minutes later Zaliukas found Glen 25 yards out and the youngster played a one-two with Ruben Palazuelos before cracking a right-foot shot past goalkeeper Michael Fraser.

Craig Brewster, the Caley Thistle manager, may look to make the most of his limited budget this summer. As far as he is concerned, his plans will include Marius Niculae who is contracted for another season.

For his part, Frail is reluctant to rely on his teen-team for a full SPL campaign. He said: "It would be difficult to go in with such an inexperienced side."

Taken from the Herald