Source: Team_Talk
Glen out to stake his claim
Gary Glen is eager to return to full fitness and challenge the new arrivals at Hearts for a place in Jim Jefferies' side.[LNB] Kevin Kyle and Stephen Elliott arrived from Kilmarnock and Preston respectively as forward reinforcements for Hearts' Scottish Premier League campaign.[LNB]Glen, meanwhile, was unable to prove he was worthy of a place in the first four fixtures of the season after succumbing to a hamstring injury.[LNB]"It's been really frustrating," said the 20-year-old.[LNB]"With the new strikers coming in you want to try and show the gaffer what you can do in training and pre-season friendlies.[LNB]"I've not had a chance to play in the friendlies."[LNB]Kyle has scored two goals in five league and cup appearances this season and appears to be a first choice for Jefferies, who coached the Scotland international at Kilmarnock.[LNB]That leaves Glen competing with Elliott, Calum Elliot and David Obua for the second forward place.[LNB]Glen added: "It's going to be hard fighting for a place but obviously you need that bit of competition to push yourself forward more and try and get yourself involved."[LNB]Glen would relish playing up front alongside a player of Kyle's stature, an uncompromising 6ft 3in forward able to win the ball in the air and bring team-mates into play by holding the ball up on the ground.[LNB]"I believe I can do a job," said Glen.[LNB]"He's good at holding the ball, wins every header.[LNB]"It would be good in that sense and we've just got to find space.[LNB]"He's got a good touch and being a tall striker you look for headers, but he's got good feet as well."[LNB]Glen, though, is aware he is playing catch-up in his bid for a place in the side, with Kyle and Elliott having played together at Sunderland.[LNB]"It's going to be hard but I'm looking forward to it," added Glen.[LNB]"I think the gaffer's plan is to play Kevin and get boys around and about him to supply the ball."[LNB]Glen hopes to be in contention for Saturday's match at Inverness.[LNB]He hopes to then to enjoy a run in the first team, having made a maximum of five successive appearances since making his Hearts debut in March 2007.[LNB]"I've been in and around the first team for a couple of seasons now," he added.[LNB]"I've not had the break that I would've liked.[LNB]"The most games I've ever played was five games in a row, when Stevie Frail was here when I first broke in.[LNB]"That's the longest run I've ever had and I just want to stay injury-free and hopefully that's the end of them and I can kick on to the end of the season."
