Barrie McKay had a hunch he would get back on the goal trail in Perth on Wednesday night.
But the Hearts winger doesn’t have a clue if he’ll be given the chance to strike while his iron is hot against Hibs on Monday. McKay climbed off the bench to notch a stunning solo effort less than 60 seconds later in the thrilling 3-2 win against St Johnstone which has hauled the Tynecastle club into third place.
And yet, even though the 27-year-old knew his moment was about to arrive before he got onto the pitch, McKay has no idea if he’s done enough to win a start for the derby. He said: “I said at half-time on Wednesday, ‘I’m going to come on and score today!’. But I don’t know why I said it because it’s not as if I’m known for goal-scoring! I just had a feeling I’d get a chance and thankfully it went in.
“As far as doing it again on Monday is concerned, I can’t see that far into the future! To score in a derby would be great, but as long as we get the three points that’s all that matters. I always say I want to score more goals. I’ve already got more than last season - so I’ve done better than that!
“I’m obviously disappointed when I’m not in the team. You want to play in every game.
“But it’s the manager’s decision and you need to respect that. When you’re on the bench you need to impact the game.”
Both McKay and team-mate Lawrence Shankland could come into contention for a Scotland call-up as the clock ticks down towards the next qualification campaign.
But McKay said: ”If it happens it happens. I say it every time, it’s not me who picks the squad. All I can do is do well for Hearts. If I’m not doing well then I’ll not be in the conversation.”
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