After scoring his first Hearts senior goal in the Scottish Cup tie against junior side Auchinleck Tablot, it’s been a great few days for Aidan Keena.
The teenager followed his first goal for the Jambos up with netting a hat-trick in Hearts Reserves 5-0 win over Greenock Morton. So will Keena be given more opportunities in maroon this season?
First he was a Spider…
After all, he’s certainly made the most of his opportunities whilst in Scotland.
First came a loan spell at Queen’s Park, playing in League 2 for the Spiders last season (2017-18). Despite scoring eight goals in 12 league appearances for the Glaswegian outfit, he couldn’t help them stay in the division.
Despite relegation, his time at Queen’s Park was definitely a success. The Irishman even scored a contender for SPFL Goal of the Season, a screamer at Hampden against now-Championship side Alloa. A dipping, swerving 40-yard thunderbolt that left Neil Parry and the Wasps stunned.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
…then he became a Par
The start of this season saw him loaned out to Dunfermline Athletic, initially on a season-long loan.
Whilst at the Pars, he scored four goals in 12 Championship appearances. The amount of goals may not seem like much, but an average of 198 minutes played per goal is pretty impressive reading.
Again, he produced another noteworthy moment of magic, scoring a brace upon his first Pars start. This came up in the highlands against Inverness, including a sensational 30 yarder in a 2-2 draw.
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
Now back in the capital, Keena faces stiff competition from the likes of Uche Ikpeazu, David Vanecek and Steven MacLean for a first team spot.
MacLean, along with Scotland international Steven Naismith, should prove excellent tutors for the teenage front man. So should he get an opportunity to impress, he must grab it with both hands.