Musa Drammeh hasn’t given up hope of featuring for Hearts in Europe this season.
The Spanish forward, 22, was excluded from the Jambos’ registered squad for the Conference League after being signed in the summer very much as a player with potential.
He has rarely featured domestically either, his appearance off the bench against Celtic at the weekend just his third run-out, all as a substitute.
But a really well-taken goal, albeit a consolation, showed what he can offer and could win him more opportunities.
Drammeh hopes to play in Europe for Hearts
The former Sevilla B prospect was delighted to get off the mark after a frustrating few months for him after the move to the Scottish capital.
The man who signed Drammeh, Steven Naismith, detailed how finishing was his bet attribute and the player himself has talked about how he loves to be direct.
“I’m really happy for the goal, finally I can show what I am,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News.
“I am disappointed with the game because I think we can achieve more than we got. When I got the ball, I knew I had to go forward.
“It’s my style of play to go forward always, so I know if I have the ball I have to go to the other goal. If I go forward, the first thing I think is to shoot.
“If I can’t shoot I have to pass, but on Saturday I can shoot and with luck it’s a goal.”
Hearts have a good chance of progressing from the league phase of the Conference League and into the knockouts after winning their first two games, before defeat to Germans Heidenheim in the third.
Drammeh wants to be there. The Tynecastle club will be able to make tweaks to their 25-man squad and he aims to do enough to win his place.
“I hope that, in February, I can be there,” Saturday’s goalscorer said. “I think it’s an opportunity for me.
“I want to play regularly and score goals and get the team up the league table.
“If I’m on the pitch, I think I can. It [Europe] is disappointing for me but for now I can do nothing. Only train and get ready for the next match.”
Neil Critchley chats with Drammeh
New manager Neil Critchley has made a positive impression on players and fans since coming in last month.
And the Englishman made a point of having a chat with the out of favour Drammeh when he first came in.
“The conversation with him, it was like I have to be calm, my time is going to be coming,” explains Drammeh.
“We saw it on Saturday. I am grateful to him for giving me the opportunity in the last game [against Rangers] and again now.”