Glen: Man Utd Snub Was Right Move

Apr 20 2008 By Euan Mclean

HEARTS hitkid Gary Glen reckons yesterday's debut goal proves he was right to snub Manchester United to sign on at Tynecastle.

The 17-year-old grabbed a vital equaliser in his first ever start for the Jambos - just 18 months after he made the biggest decision of his life to reject a move to Old Trafford. Glen was only 16 when a number of big clubs were courting his signature but the Edinburgh lad decided his best chance of making the grade lay in his home city.

And the youngster is convinced the goal against St Mirren fully justifies his decision to sign on with the Jambos. He said: "My main reason for joining Hearts was that I felt I would get my chance in the first team here earlier.

"Man United is a big club and you need to be a really good player to get your debut at a young age.

"Also I had just turned 16 and wasn't really wanting to move away from home. I went down there for a trial but I am happy with my decision to join Hearts instead.

"I was delighted to get my first start and my family were in the stand watching me get my goal.

"It was fantastic to score. It should have gone in the first time but I was lucky to get the rebound and it was a great feeling to bag a goal." Meanwhile, gutted St Mirren boss Gus MacPherson said he couldn't take any consolation from the fact his side had played well and scored two great goals.

He said: "I'm disappointed not to take something from a game that for long spells we didn't look like losing.

"You can be pleased with performances but it's all about picking points up.Much was made at the start of the season when we were winning a lot of points but, similar to Rangers, we were criticised for the manner we played.

"But at this level winning points consistently is what it's all about and that's what we're working towards for next season."