Paul Mulrooney today revealed that his starring appearance against Dundee United at Tannadice last weekend was his first competitive start since last May!

Spooney no longer qualifies for the U19s, and with no second string league this season, the 20-year-old has been forced to sit on the sidelines waiting for his opportunity - like many youngsters in Scotland.

His chance arose in dramatic circumstances, skipper Michael Stewart having to pull out of the Tannadice clash with a calf injury, barely 20 minutes before kick-off.

"It was a bit of a shock when I got chucked in but I went to do my job and I think I did that," Spooney said at today's pre-match news conference.

"I was warming up with the substitutes and I got told to come back as I was in the starting XI.

"It was a bit of a jump as they got rid of the reserve league. That was the big aspect of it, getting the 90 minutes of football.

"It is something you want, to get chucked in and see what happens.

"At the start of the season I did not expect to play many games or any games. I have played five games.

"I have not played 90 minutes since 19s last year as there's been no reserve league. You can be as fit as you can, but to play 90 minutes football is different."

Spooney's finest moment was a brilliant run and shot which almost brought about an opening goal for Hearts. It had the visiting supporters on their feet, and even Paul admitted he was ready to celebrate!

"I was about to celebrate it but the keeper has got a finger on it and pushed it around the post," he said.

On Hearts.TV today - Catch Jim's full news conference from Riccarton along with young midfielder Paul Mulrooney