Future path laid out for Novikovas at Hearts

ARVYDAS NOVIKOVAS must establish himself as a first-team regular with Hearts this season in order to further his international prospects, according to Lithuanian national coach Raimondas Zutautas.

With European Championship qualifiers due to start early next month, when Lithuania host Scotland in Kaunas, Zutautas is considering which players merit inclusion in his squad. He is likely to call upon Marius Zaliukas despite the Hearts defender's non-appearance for June's Baltic Cup competition, however, Novikovas is likely to miss out despite earning his first full international cap in May against Ukraine.

Zutautas explained that Novikovas, 19, will begin the new season as a member of Lithuania's Under-21 squad but could earn promotion if he plays regularly in Scotland.

"We have enough players with more experience who are playing in the Russian league in his position," he said. "It's too early for Novikovas to be in the first XI. If he continues to play he can be in the team in one year or two years because he is one of the best young players. It will help him if he is going to play at Hearts, but not sit on the bench. If he doesn't play it is better for him to find another club where he can play."

Meanwhile, young Hearts striker Gordon Smith has joined Stirling Albion on loan.

The First Division outfit's boss, John O'Neil, has moved to take the 19-year-old to Forthbank until January.

Smith, who scored against Hibs at Easter Road last season, said: "I want to play games. That is the only way I am going to improve as a player. A couple of strikers have arrived at the club and I think it will benefit me to go elsewhere to gain experience."