Gary Glen eager to start all over at Hearts

Tonight, the 19-year-old embarks upon arguably the biggest match of his fledgling career when Hearts meet St Mirren in the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final.

He experienced top-level European football against Dinamo Zagreb earlier in the season and is familiar with the intensity of Edinburgh derbies, most notably 12 months ago when his decisive second goal helped eliminate Hibernian from the Scottish Cup, but a semi-final is a new adventure altogether.

Glen is hopeful of retaining his place tonight after returning from injury against St Johnstone on Saturday. He partnered Christian Nade in attack but passed up a glaring opportunity in the second half when his volley screamed over the St Johnstone crossbar.

Never one to feel undermined by such profligacy, he retains a self-assured attitude and a sense of conviction that he will justify himself as a reliable goalscorer provided he is allowed a sustained run in the side.

Laszlo considered such confidence as a hindrance to the player's development.

Consistency is the main commodity missing from his game right now, a problem he believes Jefferies can help eradicate.

"There were a few games I started (under Laszlo], then I was left out and came on as a sub a few times," recalled Glen.

"The new gaffer has a history of bringing young boys through so he will want to continue with that. Hopefully, I'm in his plans because that's all I'm looking for. I want to be in the Hearts first team every week.

"I just need to get my confidence back and use the starts that the gaffer is hopefully going to give me. He said he has faith in me but he isn't giving any guarantees. I'm looking for a good run of games and a few goals now.

"I'd say tonight's game is up there with the biggest I've played in. The Dinamo Zagreb game in the Europa League was a massive occasion and the Edinburgh derbies are great. But, because it's a semi-final, it's extra special because the prize is a place in the final.

"You try to treat it as a normal game but my adrenalin will be pumping. You just have to try and calm yourself down, get the ball down and do what you're good at. That is getting the ball down and passing it about. If I'm involved, I'll be looking to score goals."

Even one would be rather useful with Hearts having failed to score in either of their last two league outings.

St Mirren have fared little better, with only four strikes in their previous eight SPL fixtures.

So anyone anticipating a goal feast at Fir Park should really be encouraged to think again with the huge prize of a League Cup Final place against either Rangers on St Johnstone at stake.

Jefferies will select two strikers from Glen, Christian Nade and Gordon Smith for this evening's assignment, and there is little doubt that the former represents the biggest scoring threat.

It was perhaps this which prompted Glen's appearance in the starting line-up against St Johnstone, six weeks since he last kicked off a match.

"The gaffer came up to me during the pre-match meal and asked me how I was feeling," Glen explained. "He told me he wanted to start me so obviously I was delighted to get involved and I'm happy to get back in.

"It's a fresh start for everyone. You want to be out there proving a point and making sure the gaffer is aware of you. I want to be involved as much as anyone.

"I've been out injured for a while and I need to get my fitness back. I'll work hard with the fitness coach to improve on that side of things. I need to stay involved over the coming weeks and show what I can do.

"Saturday was a disappointment but we have to try and lift ourselves tonight. It's a huge game for us and we need to be focused 100 per cent to give it our all. Our aim is to make the final."

The frustration of constantly trying to prove himself to Laszlo seemed to take its toll on Glen latterly.

To an extent, he seemed resigned to the fact that the now departed Hungarian had a mental block regarding his attitude and would be unlikely to alter his opinion.

That episode was quickly consigned to the memory bank when Jefferies came home last Friday. A new manager, particularly one who reared Hearts' finest crop of youngsters in decades during the 1990s, provided cause for cautious optimism and a chance to forget the abjection which had gone before.

"I just had to try and keep my head up because I can't afford to let anything like that get me down," said Glen. "At the moment, I'm looking forward to working with the new gaffer. If he gives me the chance I need to repay him.

"The manager asked us to get the ball into Christian Nade's feet and I have to play off him in the channels. That was the instructions against St Johnstone.

"I think playing with two strikers up front will work in our favour. That needs to pay off in the next couple of games. We've been asked for 100 per cent workrate and, if I can get goals along with the other strikers, then we will be right back on track towards the end of the season."

Collectively, Hearts recognise that much of their season's hopes rest on tonight's outcome. On a personal note, Glen needs to revitalise himself and justify a reputation as one of Tynecastle's most clinical finishers.