David Smith set on a Hearts first-team place

Whilst in Fife, his youth academy pals at Riccarton were being promoted to the senior squad. Some have even become regulars in the side. Smith is not bitter at a missed opportunity, although neither is the irony lost on him. The 20-year-old’s mission is to join them by the start of next season.

He has spent much of this campaign peering enviously across the River Forth from Kirkcaldy as Jamie Walker, Jason Holt, Kevin McHattie and others established themselves at Tynecastle. Smith has more first-team appearances than any of them, albeit in the First Division. Thanks to two loan spells at Raith, he has learned the harsh realities of scrapping for points, how win bonuses help pay bills and feed families, and become a Scotland  Under-21 internationalist.

He now finds himself back at Hearts battling against time. Smith is eager to impress  new manager Gary Locke, but there are just six games  remaining this season. Next year offers a far bigger window of opportunity. He believes he is in good stead despite missing out on the top-level  exposure given to his academy colleagues.

“John McGlynn was the  manager last summer and he said to me: ‘Raith Rovers are looking to take you out on loan again and I think it would be better for you in the long term to play first-team football’,”  recalled Smith. “At that time, it didn’t look like I was going to play in the first team at Hearts and there would have been no point in playing for the under-20s again. I went and played regularly at Raith and it’s helped me.

“I went there to get first-team experience and get ready for Hearts’ first team. While I was there, boys like Jason Holt, Jamie Walker and Fraser Mullen all started to play. I was happy playing every week at a good level for Raith, but at the same time you’re thinking, ‘would I get a chance if I was back at Hearts?’

“The boys I’ve played with for ages were getting to play in the first team, so you think to yourself, ‘maybe I’ll get a chance when I’m back’. They’ve gone in and done well, which shows there are good players in the youth team. A few of them have scored goals and helped the team. I wouldn’t say they deserve to be second bottom of the league.

“When I was at Raith and I saw them playing, and it made me more determined to let Hearts know I was doing well in the First Division. I got called up for the Scotland  Under-21 squad and that gave me more confidence  because it was good to be part of  something like that.

“I’d say Raith was the right move for me. I signed on loan last summer and, at that time, the younger players weren’t playing too much at Hearts, whereas I was playing every week. At the turn of the year they all started getting a run in the team and then I was called back by John McGlynn before he left. Hopefully I can still get a chance now.

“I’ve been in every matchday squad since I came back (last month). Gary Locke said he’s been impressed with me in training, but he pointed out that it’s hard coming back from a loan and going straight into the team. Playing for the under-20s helps keep my fitness up and, if I do well, maybe I can get a chance.”

Smith was involved in the 2-2 under-20 draw with Hibs on Tuesday night. Although billed as “the wee Edinburgh derby”, its intensity could not compare to the tenacity he experienced in the First Division. “It’s a totally different game from youth level,” he admitted. “It’s not just about passing the ball. Sometimes it’s a battle and you’re up against experienced players. I’ve learned lots of wee things, like what to do off the ball.

“You can play nice football at development level when you’re younger, but when you’re in the First Division people are playing for their families. That bonus at the end of the game means a lot, so you need to win points. A lot of the games at Raith were close. We won with a few late goals and you saw how much it meant to the players in the changing room after the game. The celebrations were a lot bigger and they were a lot happier because it was for something. It showed me how important it is to win games.

“Next season, I’ll have to try and make the breakthrough. Hopefully I can get the chance and take it. You never know,” he said. “Over the summer I won’t really stop for a break. I’ll just keep going, stay fit and get myself ready for pre-season. You need to be prepared for that, especially with the first team. There are quite a lot of young boys there just now so, if you do well in pre-season, that can stand you in good stead for when the games start. I’ll be pressing as hard as I can to try and get into the team.”

After 22 appearances for Raith and three Scotland Under-21 caps this season, he isn’t short on game time. However, don’t ask him to pinpoint his favourite position. Versatility is one of the strengths Smith hopes can help him crack the SPL. “I played almost every game at left midfield for Raith. A couple of times I played centre mid and I’ve played up front before as well. To be honest, I don’t really have a preferred position because I’ve played everywhere. I like playing in the hole behind the striker. Because I’ve played in so many positions, I couldn’t really tell you where I’m best.”

As long as he is regularly involved at Hearts next season, Smith is unlikely to complain. His wait has been longer than most of his peers, after all.