Nicholson continues to stake claim for international call-up
I’m ready for that level is if I get tested at that level,” said Nicholson. “It’s not something I have given a lot of thought to, but I probably should.
“When I was away with the Under-21s last time, I was injured, but met up with the squad. I spoke to Gordon Strachan then, but we didn’t chat much about the first-team.
“If he is coming to the games and seeing us do well, I might be on his mind. The way I play in the next few weeks will determine that.
“I’m pleased with how things have gone this season. It can be hard for wingers to get that consistency, but I feel I am getting that now.”
Nicholson signed a new three-year contract at the start of the campaign, a move which Craig Levein, the director of football at Hearts, described as the club’s most significant piece of business of the summer.
Certainly, with Robbie Neilson’s side now 11 points clear in third place and looking sure to earn a Europa League place for next term, Tynecastle seems a perfect place for Nicholson to continue his development for another year or so.
“Playing in Europe would be massive for the club,” said Nicholson, a product of the Hearts youth system. “It’s been a while since we were in Europe and, considering this is our first season back in the Scottish Premiership, finishing in the top three would be a brilliant achievement.
“We all believed, though, that, with the squad we had, that we could get there.”
This victory, earned thanks to Jamie Walker forcing the ball home on seven minutes after seeing Jamie MacDonald save his penalty, has everyone in maroon looking towards foreign fields. John Souttar enjoyed a taste of European action as a kid at Dundee United when watching a 2-2 draw with Dynamo Moscow from the stand and is eager for more.
“That was a great atmosphere that night,” he said. “The club has had a hard time over the last couple of years and I think getting into Europe is what everyone at the club deserves.”
With United winning at Ross County, they are now eight points behind Kilmarnock with a game in hand. Souttar certainly believes his former team-mates can pull off a most unlikely escape act.
“I still speak to the boys there and I do think they’ll survive,” he said.
Amid all the focus on Hearts performing so well in their first season back in the top-flight, spare a thought for Mac D ona ld, the K ilmar nock goalkeeper.
In addition to blocking Walker’s initial attempt from the 12-yard mark, he also saved a penalty from Abiola Dauda 10 minutes from time.
“It’s just unfortunate that, with the first one, the rebound has gone back to him (Walker) and he’s put it away - with his shin, might I say?,” he remarked. “When you’re luck’s not going for you, it’s not going for you.”