Hearts defender Robbie Neilson admitted that that he is prepared to leave the club if he cannot command a regular starting place next season.
The Scotland right back informed Hearts World, "I still have 2 years left on my contract however if I find I′m no longer would like then I must move on. If I′m not playing week-in, week out then I′ll not be happy. I′m desperate to get back into the team as I′ve not played since January, however it′s up to me to stake my claim."
Neilson suffered a knee injury in a Scottish Cup tie at Stranraer and is now eager to play a full part in the Jam Tarts forthcoming SPL campaign.
The 27 year old has completed 10 years of service at Tynecastle however faces competiton for his position with Ibrahim Tall and Hristos Karipidis.
"I feel good and hopefully I can prove myself in the pre season games and force my way back into the team. However, there is a lot of competition with a number of players vying for a place."
Hearts had an indifferent season last time around, and with Aberdeen denying them a Uefa Cup spot, Neilson knows that performances must improve.
"This time we can only concentrate on the league," he added.
"Last season we had several distractions in Europe and it had taken its toll on us, it′s disappointing to miss out on European football next season however it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise."
Meanwhile, new Jambo, Michael Stewart, a surprise transfer from Edinburgh rivals Hibs, would like to make up for lost time by showing Hearts supporters what he is capable of after a slack 1st spell at the club.
The former Man Utd midfielder made only 5 league starts during 2004/05.
He said, "Hopefully I can take the challenge on and do better than when I was 1st at the club, due the fact there is not a good number of opportunities. That is something I would like to rectify. The fact I′ve been able to play week-in, week out definitely helps your confidence," he added after joining up with his new team mates at their training camp in Salzburg.
"Obviously it′s 2 years down the line and I am more now more mature and more experienced."
