| Calum Elliot hopes he has done enough to keep his place in the side after scoring in Saturday's 1-1 draw with St Johnstone. Elliot scored a minute before the break but the lead lasted just seconds as Sam Parkin levelled to secure a point. Elliot made way in the second half for debutant Kevin Kyle, while Stephen Elliott also made his first appearance in a maroon jersey after joining earlier in the week from Preston. Kyle and Elliott, both former Sunderland strikers, are expected to spearhead Hearts' attack once they are fully fit, but Elliot, who scored his first goal since April last year, is in no mood the give up his starting place without a fight. He said: "During the first season when George Burley was here in 2006 there were a lot of good strikers. Competition for places is good and it keeps everyone on their toes. When your chance comes along you have to take it. It's good to start the season with a goal and hopefully I can build on it next week against Hamilton. I try not to think about how long it has been since I scored. It's not something you think of, you just go on the pitch and hope the team does well. If you score it's a bonus. It does not prey on your mind really, I was out for most of last season. I've had a good pre-season and I just have to try and build on it." Jim Jefferies was pleased with his options in attack and is looking forward to having all his strikers ready for action. He said: "I thought Calum Elliot had a fine game and he worked his socks off but you could see up against their big defenders that we did need a wee change at the time. When Kevin came on he was a big threat to them, he nearly scored with his first header. He has not trained but I think they were concerned he was going to be playing given his record against them. Considering he only trained one day, he will just get better and so will Stephen Elliott because he has had a bit of a hectic week with the birth of his daughter and the move to Hearts. He will get better and better." |