Source: FOOTYMAD
McGowan has something to prove
Playing in the First Division has brought Ryan McGowan back up to match fitness but has he what it takes fro SPL action? Ryan McGowan wants to prove he has a future at Tynecastle and is hoping to use the last few games to show manager Jim Jefferies he has what it takes. The Australian spent two months on loan with Irn-Bru First Division side Partick Thistle earlier this year, a spell he believes helped him force his way back into Jefferies' thinking. Regular first-team football with Hearts is now the aim. McGowan, who is looks as if he will be included in the squad for the game against Motherwell, said: "That's why I came over from Australia, to play, and that's what I want to do. I want to play as many games as I can between now and the end of the season and hopefully push on next season and become a regular.'' After a loan spell at Ayr last season, McGowan was happy to move to Firhill on a temporary basis. He went on: "With no reserve league it was getting to the stage where I wasn't match fit. My worst-case scenario was if the gaffer needed me and he threw me in and I wasn't match fit then I wouldn't do myself any justice. He agreed and I went out to Partick Thistle on loan. That was a great experience for me. I played eight or nine games there and when I came back I felt I was a little bit ahead of some of the boys who stayed here. That showed with the gaffer trusting me to come on against Hibs and that was an experience I'll never forget and was a great day.'' McGowan's parents are from Glasgow and he moved to Hearts in June 2006. The Australia age-group international now hopes to earn an extended stay at Tynecastle by proving himself in the remaining five games of the season. McGowan, who has made four substitute appearances this season, added: "I've got an option at the end of this year for another two years. It's up to me to do well between now and the end of the season and then I'll speak to the gaffer at a later time.'' Jefferies will be without captain Marius Zaliukas who is suspended forthe game with Motherwell. Jason Thomson (hamstring) is out for two to three weeks, while goalkeeper Marian Kello will not be considered due to a "private matter''. Rudi Skacel (Achilles), Suso Santana (knee) and Andrew Driver (knee/thigh) are still carrying injuries, while Lee Wallace (ankle), Kevin Kyle (hip) and Calum Elliot (knee) remain sidelined.
