MacLean: Fight for places good for cup hopes

BY GAVIN BERRY STEVEN MacLEAN believes the renewed battle for first-team places at Hearts means the Jambos have a fighting chance of Scottish Cup glory.

The striker says competition to get into Craig Levein’s starting line-up is now as fierce as ever with big hitters returning from injury.

MacLean was on target in the 4-0 win over Auchinleck Talbot at Tynecastle on Sunday that booked a quarter-final place for Hearts.

MacLean is confident they can lift the Scottish Cup, especially now fellow frontman Uche Ikpeazu is back in the side.

He said: “We can win it this season, 100 per cent. We got to the semi of the League Cup, albeit we didn’t have a good performance against Celtic. We’ve got what it takes in that dressing room.

“Celtic are obviously big favourites but if we can get to a semi or the Final you just never know. Hopefully when the quarter-finals come around on March 2 we will be nice and healthy and get through to the semis.

“We had a spell with a lot of players out but we’re getting them all back which means we have a decent-sized squad and competition for places.

“It’s going to keep everyone on their toes and it’s good for the team.

“Getting big Uche back gives

STEVEN MacLEAN

us a different dimension. I enjoy playing with him.

“I’ve got a great relationship with the big guy.

“He’s a gentle giant, a lovely big guy, although not if you’re playing against him.

“He just wants to learn from people and do well. He is always talking to you and willing to listen and he also practises things because he wants to get better.

“With the big man back in the team, hopefully we can get back to the early-season form and the free-flowing football will come.

“Then we can start looking up the table and try to catch those above us.”

MacLean netted his first goal in four months in the win over the Ayrshire juniors, his previous strike coming in a 3-0 victory at Dens Park that sent the Jambos six points clear at the top of the Premiership at the time.

He said: “It was nice to be back playing and also to be back among the goals because it’s been a while.

“Obviously the most important thing was the result against Auchinleck.

“It could have been sticky but we got a good start with a goal in 10 minutes.

“We were good at times but we were also sloppy at times.

“The main thing is that we are through to the next round and that’s the most important point.”