Hearts striker Gary Glen hopes being named the SPL's young player of the month for April will improve his chances of becoming a first-team regular next season.

The 18-year-old has made a big impact since being drafted into the side in the wake of the club's failure to make the top six. The teenager has scored two goals in two starts, against St Mirren and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and led this line in last night's 2-1 defeat at Falkirk before limping off.

Glen came close to a big-time move to Manchester United two years ago, but now his priority is to prove he is capable of retaining his place for next term. "It's been fantastic to win an award," he said, "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."

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 term 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: "If they do 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."