Stephen Elliott is fighting fit and raring to go, but the Irish international striker knows he's got a job on to dislodge current front pairing Calum Elliot and Kevin Kyle.

The current first choice pairing have netted nine goals between them so far this season as the former Preston North End forward has been out injured with a hamstring strain.

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Now Stephen's ready and available for action, and he's determined to make his mark - accepting that patience will be required.

"Coming here and getting the injury in the first week was not really ideal but I am getting confident now and I think I am over it, touchwood," he told journalists at yesterday's heartsclubdraw.co.uk launch.

"It was my third subs appearance [at Aberdeen] and it was good to get involved and get on.

"I have watched the majority of the games and keeping an eye on things. It is a very competitive league and we've played well in most of the games and there were a couple where results did not go our way.

"When you come to a new club you want to impress as soon as possible for me getting injured in the first week was not ideal but I have had time to get used to the team and watch the games. Now I am keen to get started."

Stephen's not daft, however, he know that he's got two excellent forwards to displace.

"The lads have been doing really well," he said. "Kevin has come in and done well and Calum Elliot has played really well too.

"The fact we know we can get these wins away from home is good. Now we need to get some more points at home.

"It is still early days and we have a lot of time to get things right on that front.

"The more games the sharper I will get but it will be its going to be difficult now with the team winning to get back in. I have to be patient. I want the team do well and I want to be coming into a winning team."

On Hearts.TV today - Catch the latest edition of the ever-popular Billy Brown Show!

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