Hearts’ Arvydas Novikovas bids to seal his future

ARVYDAS NOVIKOVAS doesn’t know where his future lies but the Lithuanian winger admitted today this is a make-or-break season for him.

The 21-year-old is out of contract at Hearts at the end of the season and is unsure if he will be offered a new deal.

Having been used in fits and starts by previous managers, Novikovas seems to be establishing himself under John McGlynn.

He has started Hearts’ last four league matches and was set to feature against Dundee United at Tannadice this afternoon. But Novikovas believes he must step up his game.

He said: “I’m quite happy. The gaffer has given me a chance to play and I’ve taken it. I want to be a regular player this year but I also must assist in creating chances for my team-mates.

“Of course, I try to do my best all the time. It’s going to be a very hard season for me and the rest of the boys and we need to do our best. There are still ten months to go. Let’s see what happens.

“I’m in my last season. I definitely won’t return home because the standard there is very bad. Maybe I’ll get a new contract here or leave and go somewhere else.”