GODINHO WARNS LEVEIN HE WILL NOT BE BIT-PART PLAYER NEXT TERM AT HEARTS

By James Melville HEARTS full-back Marcus Godinho says he needs first-team football next season as he uses Canada’s Gold Cup campaign as his shop window.

The 21-year-old remains determined to force his way into Craig Levein’s plans for the coming campaign, having finally shaken off the injury woes which have plagued him for the past two years.

But he will consider his options if he remains viewed as a bit-part squad player.

The promising defender made just 14 appearances for Hearts last term but was handed a massive vote of confidence from national boss John Herdman — who selected Godinho in Canada’s squad for the continental showpiece before starting him in their opener against Martinique.

They cruised to a 4-0 win in that fixture and, despite losing 3-1 to Mexico in their second Group A game, are fully expected to defeat Cuba today and book their place in the knockout stages.

And Godinho is determined not to let that momentum slip away when he returns to Scotland next term.

He said: ‘This is a really good proving ground for me. If I can perform against sides like Mexico and the USA, then I can play in the Scottish Premiership. I have that belief in myself.

‘Hopefully, the gaffer at Hearts (Levein) likes what he sees from me over here and I can really make an impact next season.

‘But at this stage in my career, I need to be playing first-team football and progressing as a player, wherever that may be.

‘Starting the first game gave me a real confidence boost.

‘I didn’t know exactly where the coach (Herdman) would see me, so it’s brilliant that he has shown that faith in me and gave me the opportunity.

‘This is the biggest tournament Canada can play in, barring the World Cup, so it’s an incredible stage and I just want to do it justice.’