Oliver keen to make Hearts impact

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson was considering sending the 20-year-old back out on loan, after he netted twice in 11 games for Scottish League One side Stenhousemuir last season.

But two goals for Hearts early in pre-season changed Neilson's mind and Oliver started his side's 4-2 League Cup win over Arbroath on Thursday.

Now the forward is aiming to taste Ladbrokes Premiership action when Hearts return to the top flight against St Johnstone on Sunday,

Oliver, who has Juanma Delgado, Gavin Reilly, Osman Sow and the injured Soufian El Hassnaoui as competition up front, said: "Pre-season went well for me, the gaffer has given me a lot of game time and I have scored a few goals, so hopefully I can carry it on.

"He said I will be involved in the first team this year so I'm delighted with that. I was expecting to go out on loan and he has kept me, so he has obviously got a wee plan for me.

"Last week the gaffer said I'm going to be staying here so I'm happy with that. The gaffer had said to me at the start, 'We will see how you do in pre-season, if it doesn't work out, you will go on loan, and if you're flying, we will keep you'.

"It was good motivation and I have scored a few goals. I am staying now and I'm looking to play.

"The gaffer has given me a chance and it's my chance to prove I can play."