Calum Elliot is determined to take his big chance this season.

The forward netted Hearts maiden strike for the campaign in Saturday's draw against St Johnstone.

It was not enough for victory, but there was little doubt about the quality of Calum's play before he was eventually replaced by Kevin Kyle.

"It was difficult being the first game of the season," he said.

"Being at home you want to try and get three points. I thought we were unfortunate. We just need to learn and take it into the next game.

"It is good to start of the season with a goal. Hopefully I can build on it next week.

"You just go on the pitch and hope the team goes well. If you score as a striker then that's a bonus."

At the post-match news conference with daily journalists it was put to Calum that he had not scored a Clydesdale Bank Premier League goal since a 3-1 win against Kilmarnock in April 2009.

"To be fair I was out for almost the whole of last season," he retorted.

"It was difficult to count that as a marker. I just have to try and build on it. I've had a good pre-season and I have to build on that."

He's certainly not intimidated by the arrival of strikers Stephen Elliott and Kevin Kyle.

And he's determined to embrace the real optimism around Gorgie at the arrival of Jim Jefferies.

"They [Elliott and Kyle] have got great experience in football but you have to learn from them and if you get the chance to play alongside them you have got to take it," he said.

"I did fine and it was pleasing to get a goal but the result was disappointing. We've got a hard game next so we've got to keep going. It will have been good for Stephen and Kevin to get game time so hopefully everyone will be fit.

"For me personally it is a big season but it is for everyone. The manager has got his stamp on the team just now and we have to make sure we do well. We have to take what we do in training forward.

"The way the manager is, and the way Lockie and Billy are as well, they have Hearts in their blood. You have to use that enthusiasm in your game and I am sure it will show in our game."

On Hearts.TV today - Catch post-match reaction from JJ and Lee Wallace and watch all the action from Saturday's game