Kevin Kyle last night revealed that Calum Elliot intervened to give him the chance to score his first goal for Hearts.

The former Kilmarnock striker got off the mark in yesterday's hammering of Hamilton at New Douglas Park, but it might have been a different name on the score-sheet if Craig Thomson got his way.

Craig had grabbed the ball after Martin Canning was sent-off for bringing down Calum in the penalty area.

Calum's quick-fire word sorted things out and the rest is history.

Kevin said: "He gave it to me and I felt confident. Wee Craig Thomson said 'could he have it?'

"He's very good at dead ball situations so I thought 'fair enough' but Calum came back and said to 'give it to the big man'.

"It was only my second penalty and I missed the last one. I stepped up and put it in the top corner. I am pleased. It was a comfortable win from then on."

Kevin was full of praise for Calum's man of the match performance in Lanarkshire, the forward capping a fine display with two superb goals.

"With the 'so called' big signings myself and Stephen [Elliott], Calum might have been thinking about if he would get a game," Kevin continued.

"With Stephen being unfit he's got a game and full respect to him because what he's done has been great.

"That's good for him, because as a striker scoring goals is what it is all about.

"He's one on one with the keeper and all he has to do is square it and I have a tap in but he showed the confidence to finish.

"I was just trying to give him a little bit of advice. I said to him that I reckon it is better that me and Stephen are pushing him because he's got pressure and right now he's sticking to the task very well."

And Kevin knows that Calum fully deserves his place in the team right now and he accepts that he and Stephen Elliott may have to wait a little longer for a first start.

"None of us could argue," he smiled. "I got on for 25 minutes and I am happy with that. You wait your turn and then when you get an opportunity try and take it.

"I will phone wee Stephen Elliott after the game and tell him not to bother with training next week as he won't get a game!"

On Hearts.TV today - Catch reaction to the win at Hamilton with Kevin, Calum Elliot and JJ plus watch all the action from NDP