New role for Hearts' Aidy White as he discusses his contract and future at Tynecastle

Aidy White is working his versatile backside off to persuade Robbie Neilson he deserves a starting place at Hearts.

Aidy White is enjoying playing further forward for Hearts.

With Stephen Kingsley the established left-back since arriving last month, White has reverted to trade as a left winger. He is revelling in the freedom but mostly as a substitute so far.

The 29-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season and he would love to sign an extension. He knows how it works. To earn one, he probably needs to command a regular spot in the team.

That’s unlikely to be at full-back as Kingsley grows in strength and stature with each passing week. White was signed as a left-back by former Hearts manager Craig Levein but is perfectly happy further forward in a wide-left role.

It helps considerably that he grew up as a tricky winger and even attended Brazilian soccer schools as a kid in West Yorkshire. The attacking intent is still prominent.

He replaced Jordan Roberts on Tuesday night against Alloa and showed a desire to impose himself on the left flank. He must now wait to learn if those endeavours are sufficient to start against the same opponents in the Betfred Cup this weekend.

“I grew up as a winger, that’s where I played as a kid. I’ve done it throughout my career and I moved further back as I got a little bit older. It’s something I’m used to,” said the Englishman, speaking exclusively to the Evening News.

“I feel I can come on and make in impact higher up the pitch. I’ve grown up being an attacking player and the gaffer obviously thinks I can play there. I’ve been coming on for the last half-hour in games and I’ve enjoyed it.

“Wherever the manager wants me to play, I’m comfortable with it. I’ve also played right wing before and I actually played in behind the striker as well, although that was a few years back.

“You’ve got a bit more freedom when you’re higher up. You can get on the ball, cause some problems and try to get further forward towards the penalty box. It does suit my game.

“I’ll happily play wherever the manager wants me to. Whether that’s left-back, left wing or somewhere else, I just want to get in the team and stay there consistently.”

He has already made one important contribution to Hearts’ season from that wide-left berth. As a substitute in last month’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs, White made a penetrating run into the opposition box and was fouled by Paul McGinn deep in extra-time.

Liam Boyce fired the resultant penalty kick into the net and sent Hearts into the final. “I like to get in behind teams,” said White.

“It’s a bit more difficult to do that when you’re playing left-back. When you’re used higher up, you can slip balls in behind people and get into the box.

“I managed to get the penalty in the semi that way and we managed to get through. It was an amazing feeling. I’m just glad we got to the final.”

The next step is a regular starting spot as he competes with fellow wingers Roberts, Jamie Walker, Josh Ginnelly and Elliott Frear. White accepts he won’t play left-back for Hearts ahead of Kingsley.

“Stephen has come in and done brilliantly so far. He’s an experienced pro and gives you that security because you know he is going to be solid.

“Going forward, you can link up with him and get balls into the box. He allows me to do that and I like playing in front of him.

“I have to keep doing well whenever I’m coming on. Whenever the manager wants to put me in, I’m ready. I need to keep being consistent and doing well in training.

“Whenever I get the opportunity, I want to show him what I can do and what I’m capable of.

“There hasn't been a discussion about me changing position as such. When I’m on the bench, back fours don’t often change unless there’s an injury or some tactical reason. If I can play further up and get minutes, I’m happy doing that.”

His long-term future at Tynecastle Park may rest on his ability to do so more frequently. White’s contract finishes at the end of the season and he is keen to stay.

“I’m contracted until the summer and I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” he said. “I’ve got to push myself into the starting line-up. If I can stay, that would be brilliant.”

There is plenty to occupy him and his team-mates before then. Saturday’s trip to Alloa offers a chance to reach the Betfred Cup quarter-finals. The Scottish Cup final is on December 20, plus there is a league title and promotion to go for.

“The main aim is to get promoted and get back to where we belong. We beat Alloa in the league on Tuesday but Saturday is going to be a different game.

“I expect it to be a bit more difficult with them at home on the astro. We need to turn up, play like we did the other night and hopefully progress to the last eight.

“Then we would be one game away from a trip to Hampden, which would be fantastic again.

“The manager said we were lacking what was needed to win some of the duels at Dunfermline last week. We looked back on the analysis and what we could have done better was highlighted.

“We put that right. It was fantastic from the manager, Gordy [Forrest] and Jig [Lee McCulloch] to identify what we needed to improve on.”

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