Modest Mark

Mark Ridgers claims he was just doing his job in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Queen of the South, but he hopes his performance will convince the manager that he's worthy of a shot at the no. 1 jersey.

The big highlander put in a man of the match shift as his heroics helped keep Queens at bay, and the former Scotland U21 'keeper just hopes the gaffer knows that when called upon, he'll be ready.

Speaking exclusively to Hearts News, Mark said: "It was a case of trying to get a good performance for myself, as well as the boys, but getting 90 minutes as well is important for a goalkeeper. Straightaway this season I've played more minutes than I did last year!

"It's important that I get as much game time as I can. The manager's shown faith in me to give me an opportunity and as I said, it was a good performance from myself.

"It helps when you're tested and you're able to deal with it but at the end of the day that's my job; to try and keep the ball out of the back of the net. It doesn't really matter how.

"I was pleased with how I played, hopefully it gives the manager a wee food for thought and gives him a bit of confidence to know that if something ever does happen to Jamie then I'm ready to step in and put on another performance like that and stake a claim to be no. 1."

Hearts World