Ryan Stevenson understands why Scottish referees are striking this weekend, but the Hearts midfielder is desperate to be in action against Motherwell on Sunday.
Stevenson has been on the periphery of the Hearts first team this season, but with Hearts third in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after enjoying a run of four straight 2-0 successes he knows he will have to be patient to earn his opportunity.
"It's been hard, but the team's doing really well just now," said Stevenson, who moved to Tynecastle from Ayr in last season's winter transfer window. "I'm quite happy sitting on the bench while the boys are doing well but I'm raring to go if the manager needs me."
He added: "It's disappointing not playing every week, but I can't really go and knock on the manager's door.
"We're doing so well I just need to bide my time to try to get back in.
"I'm working hard in training every day and when I come on I try to do as well as I can to try to be in the manager's thoughts.
"The manager has spoken to me and said I am still in his thoughts, because you do start to get worried sitting on the bench week-in, week-out."
The form of David Templeton and Rudi Skacel has limited Stevenson's own impact this term, but he praised his team-mates.
"These are the boys playing in front of me at the moment and they're scoring week-in, week-out," added Stevenson.
"I can't really have too many complaints. I just need to work hard and make sure if there are any injuries or suspensions or if the manager wants to change it, he knows I'm right there and I'm raring to go."
Source: PA
