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Raith Rovers midfielder Jordan Thompson admits dumping Hearts out of the Scottish Cup would be the perfect way to impress Rangers manager Mark Warburton.
The 20-year-old is hoping that Warburton or assistant Davie Weir will be tuning in for today’s televised fourth round visit of the Tynecastle outfit.
Earlier this month, Thompson agreed a contract extension with Rangers until summer 2018 and also prolonged his loan with Gary Locke’s Rovers until the end of the season.
And with Premiership opposition in town this afternoon, the Belfast-born youngster is desperate to make an impression.Thompson, who made his Rangers debut as a substitute in the November 2015 victory over Alloa said: “Playing Hearts in the Scottish Cup is a great chance for me.
“I was talking to the gaffer at Raith about how big a game it is and Davie Weir had said the same to me.
“I’m not sure if Davie or the gaffer are coming to watch the Hearts game but it’s on TV anyway.
“They will probably catch a bit of it and it’s a good chance for me to show what I can do.
“It will be tough and results haven’t really gone for us recently but we want to go out there, prove a point and hopefully get a result.
“The people at Rangers keep in touch and always ask how I am doing.
“Davie knows the gaffer well and he will also give me the odd call just to chat over things. Rangers are in constant contact so it’s good.”
Thompson made eight appearances during a temporary stint with Airdrie at the end of last season but admits that his time with Rovers has been an eye-opener, especially compared to the sterile environment of Scottish Development League football.
“Coming to Raith has been brilliant because you see a different side to the game,” added the Northern Ireland Under-21 internationalist.
“We are fighting for points and it’s a step up from 20s matches because there is so much at stake for the club.
“You learn a lot more about the work you need to do off the ball at this level and you realise how important it is to track runners.
“In 20s games for Rangers, you have a lot of the ball and are always in possession.
“Here it’s a lot different. There are times when you need to get behind the ball and really concentrate.
“Even in training, the older boys will get on to you if you don’t track your man. But that’s been good for me.”
After Hearts recruited veteran defender Aaron Hughes earlier this month, Thompson is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against the Northern Ireland football legend.
At 37 years of age, Hughes has not lost his motivation for the game and is still keen to add to his 103 caps.
“I really hope he plays,” stated Thompson.
“He’s been in the Northern Ireland team for a long time and he’s an idol for every young footballer in the country.
“Aaron has been a top pro for a long time. He’s 37, while I am only 20, and it would be great to play against him and learn from him.
“It’s the same at Raith, with guys like Rudi Skacel. You can only learn from them.
“Hearts have a lot of top pros in midfield and it will be good to go up against them in the Scottish Cup.”
