BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
Hearts starlet Angus Beith insists he is determined to force his way into Robbie Neilson’s Europa League plans.
The 20-year-old is one of the brightest prospects at Tynecastle, helping the club reach the SFA Youth Cup final this season, and was recently rewarded with a new deal until the summer of 2017.
Jambos head coach Neilson has tipped the youngster to make an impact next term after impressing during a recent loan stint with Stenhousemuir.
And, despite Hearts eyeing reinforcements in the transfer market, Beith has set his sights on impressing during pre-season and playing a part in the capital club’s return to the European stage.
Beith said: “There is so much extra to play for with the prospect of big European ties to come back to. That is a motivating factor for everyone at the club.
“I’m sure it will be a competitive atmosphere within the group, with everyone wanting to play in those occasions, and I want to be a part of that.
“I’ll look to impress the management team in the time remaining this season then I am eager to come back in pre-season and really show what I can do.
“I want to play for the Hearts first-team and I need to prove I am capable of that – I will be doing my utmost to achieve that in pre-season.”
Beith hopes Neilson pitches him into the first-team fold as this campaign draws to a close, with the Jambos guaranteed to finish in third spot.
Hearts host Ross County this weekend before ending the season with encounters against Aberdeen and St Johnstone.
He added: “Hopefully I can play some part in the last few games, that is always the aim. It’s down to whether I do enough to convince the coaching staff but, as always, I’ll be working really hard in training.
”If I show what I can do, then maybe I’ll get that opportunity.”
