Ross Stewart says he's ready to answer Robbie Neilson's SOS this weekend if Zander Clark joins Craig Gordon in the treatment room.
Clark was forced off early in Hearts' defeat to Kilmarnock at the weekend and with skipper and undisputed No.1 Gordon also on the sidelines until at least the end of the season, it fell to Stewart to step in. The 27-year-old had only made one competitive appearance this season with Clark's arrival on a free transfer relegating him to third-choice keeper at Tynecastle.
With two keepers involved in the Scotland setup ahead of him in the pecking order, the former Livingston keeper wasn't expecting much of a look-in this season. But as Neilson anxiously awaits news over Clark's hamstring problem, Stewart could asked to be step in against St Mirren this weekend and potentially Hibs the week after if it proves to be a longer-term issue.
Stewart told the Edinburgh Evening News: “You don’t like those situations and you would rather be coming on under different circumstances. First and foremost, I hope the big man (Clark) is alright. If he gets a scan or whatever, I hope it comes back clear. If I’m needed then I’ll be ready.
“It’s hard. You need to take every training session and every drill and treat it as a game. Nothing compares to actual game moments, though. We haven’t even had a friendly so the last time I played was over in Spain during the mid-season trip. I just try to keep myself as ready as possible for these moments.”
Stewart, who has managed just eight appearances in his two-and-a-half years in Gorgie, also revealed he held crunch talks with Neilson over his future after Clark's arrival in the summer. But as he hopes to earn a contract extension beyond the summer, he's now hoping to make the most of his chance, even if it only comes due to unfortunate circumstances.
He added: “I’ll be truthful with you. Straight away (after Clark signed), I thought: ‘This is just an extra chance to push myself.’ I try not to be a negative person and try to see things as an opportunity. I said to myself: ‘I’ve got two keepers who are involved with Scotland. If I can push as hard as I can and push them as hard as possible, then I might have a chance.’
“Me and the gaffer had a chat – I don’t know if I really want to talk about that just now – then Craig breaks his leg. That was one we didn’t want to see either. I’m focused on doing what I can do every day in training. If I’m called upon on Saturday, I’m ready.
“These opportunities don’t come along too often, especially as a goalkeeper. There are plenty players on the pitch who can play different positions. Keepers only have one place and I’ve had two people in front of me. It’s very rare that you get this opportunity, so if I am called upon then I’ve got to grab it with both hands.”
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