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. Kevin Kyle and Stephen Elliott arrived from Kilmarnock and Preston respectively as forward reinforcements for Hearts' Scottish Premier League campaign.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."It's been really frustrating," said the 20-year-old."With the new strikers coming in you want to try and show the gaffer what you can do in training and pre-season friendlies."I've not had a chance to play in the friendlies."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.That leaves Glen competing with Elliott, Calum Elliot and David Obua for the second forward place.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."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."I believe I can do a job," said Glen."He's good at holding the ball, wins every header."It would be good in that sense and we've just got to find space."He's got a good touch and being a tall striker you look for headers, but he's got good feet as well."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."It's going to be hard but I'm looking forward to it," added Glen."I think the gaffer's plan is to play Kevin and get boys around and about him to supply the ball."Glen hopes to be in contention for Saturday's match at Inverness.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."I've been in and around the first team for a couple of seasons now," he added."I've not had the break that I would've liked."The most games I've ever played was five games in a row, when Stevie Frail was here when I first broke in."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."

Source: Team_Talk