Rising star Robert Ogleby today spoke of his pride at scoring his first international goal, the Hearts youngster netting for Wales U21s in their victory over Northern Ireland on Wednesday night.

The striker had only just come off the bench at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham when he headed home with his first touch of the ball, the Gorgie starlet getting on the end of an Ashley Richards free-kick.

"I came on in the 74th minute and scored with a header in the 75th minute. It was literally my first touch of the ball in the game and made it 2-0," he told Hearts News.

"I had to pinch myself after the ball went in but it's an absolute honour to have scored for my country and it was a very proud moment."

The occasion was all the more special for the 18-year-old front man with his family having made the journey to Wales to watch the game.

And the Ogleby clan weren't the only VIPs in the crowd, with new Wales national boss Gary Speed also an interested spectator.

"It was extra special to score my first goal with my mum and dad, brother and cousin all in the crowd," said Robert.

"I'm told Gary Speed was there, too, so it was pleasing to do well in front of him. The goal clinched the victory for us so it was good to score an important one."

Coventry-born Robert, who signed from City last summer, qualifies for Wales through his grandfather and made his U21 debut against Austria in November.

He was snapped up by Hearts after being released by his hometown club after two years in the youth ranks, a decision he now believes has been to his benefit.

"It didn't work out for me at Coventry after two years as a youth there and I think it was a blessing in disguise for me to leave," he said.

"I'm really enjoying it at Hearts and the U19s are having a good season. Now I want to start pushing myself and try to get into the first team."

Elsewhere on the international front this week, Hearts No. 1 Marian Kello made his debut for Slovakia as a late substitute in the 2-1 defeat from Luxembourg.

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On Hearts.TV  and the new Hearts App today, Jim Jefferies and Eggert Jonsson meet the media at Riccarton, plus the latest Fancast.