Gordon Smith has got game time - now he’s going for goals
Smith, however, had never started more than two matches in succession until last weekend, when he played in attack as the Jambos defeated Dundee United 2-1 last Saturday. That was his third start on the trot in manager John McGlynn’s new 4-4-2 system, and the man who scored his first goal for Hearts against Hibs in January 2010 is revelling in being selected on a more consistent basis.
“I’ve not really had a run of games,” said the 21-year-old. “The most I’ve had is two in a row up until now. This is me starting to get a good run and I’m more confident and getting to grips with the SPL.”
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Hide AdNow that he has firmed up a place in Hearts’ starting XI, Smith’s next target is simple: goals. He has netted some vital strikes in his Tynecastle career – none more so than last year’s winner against Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup third round which saved the Jambos from an embarrassing draw – but getting goals regularly is imperative for city-born hitman.
“Strikers always want to score goals,” he continued. “I’ve created a goal and had a couple of chances I should have put away, but I’m not going to let my head get down. I know I can score goals so it will come.
“I think me and John [Sutton] can be the answer up front. I think John will say himself that he likes playing with a strike partner as I do. We’ve scored six goals since we’ve been in the team with different scores. We’re creating more chances and I’m enjoying it.”