Hearts striker Gary Glen hopes being named the SPL's young player of the month for April will boost his hopes of becoming a first-team regular.The 18-year-old has made a massive impact since being drafted into the side in the wake of the Gorgie club's failure to make the top six.
The teenager has scored two goals in two starts, against St Mirren and Inverness Caley Thistle, and is expected to lead the attack again in Monday night's meeting with Falkirk.
And Glen, who came close to a big-time move to Manchester United two years ago, is desperate to prove he is capable of retaining his place for next term.
He said: "It's been fantastic to win an award, I didn't expect it to happen as quickly. When I got the phone call I was delighted, it was a great feeling.
"I don't think things could have gone much better for me. I've had two starts and two goals, and then this award as well, it's been a good couple of weeks for me.
"Hopefully I can stay in the squad for next season. It's not my decision but hopefully I can start the games that are remaining and show what I can do.
"I just need to get the head down and keep playing the way I'm playing, and if I can score more goals then hopefully I can stay in the team."
Glen is aware the Tynecastle outfit are likely to look to sign new strikers during the close season, with Andrius Velicka and Michal Pospisil's departures this season set to be followed by Roman Bednar's loan switch to West Brom being made permanent.
However, the youngster is confident in his ability to maintain his rise to prominence, even if he has to take tips from fresh recruits to do so.
He added: "Hopefully, for me, the club doesn't bring in a new striker but obviously the club's got to look at where they need to improve.
"If they do bring in a new striker then I'll try and compete with him. It will also give me a chance to see how he plays and pick things up from him.
"Whatever happens, hopefully I can take my chance and be in the first team for next season."
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