Glen hopes award boosts Tynecastle prospects

ANGUS WRIGHT

HEARTS striker Gary Glen hopes being named the SPL's young player of the month for April can help boost his chances of becoming a first-team regular next season.

The 18-year-old has made a massive impact since being drafted into the side in the wake of the Gorgie club's failure to make the top six.

Glen has scored two goals in two starts, against St Mirren and Inverness Caley Thistle, and started off leading the attack again in last night's meeting with Falkirk. However, it was a bad night for the youngster as he was forced to leave the field after just 34 minutes with a suspected leg injury.

The teenager, who came close to a big-time move to Manchester United two years ago, is desperate to prove he is capable of retaining his place for next term and, before last night's game, talked about his rise to date.

"It has been fantastic to win an award," he said. "I didn't expect it to happen as quickly. When I got the phone call I was delighted, it was a great feeling. I don't think things could have gone much better for me.

"I've had two starts and two goals, and then this award as well – it has been a good couple of weeks for me. Hopefully I can stay in the squad for next season. It's not my decision, but hopefully I can start the games that are remaining and show what I can do. I just need to get the head down and keep playing the way I'm playing."

Glen is aware that the Tynecastle outfit are likely to look to sign new strikers during the close season, with Andrius Velicka and Michal Pospisil's departures this season set to be followed by Roman Bednar's loan switch to West Brom being made permanent. However, the youngster is confident in his ability to maintain his rise to prominence, even if he has to take tips from fresh recruits to do so.

He added: "If the club bring in a new striker then I'll try and compete with him. It will also give me a chance to see how he plays and pick things up from him. Whatever happens, hopefully I can take my chance and be in the first team for next season."