Premiership star told to make Hearts transfer as he shares Jambos fan encounter that's added to dream season

A Premiership striker has revealed the Tesco counter that’s told him all about his new-found fame - as it came with a Hearts transfer request.

Barney Stewart has been one of the nation’s standout stories this season as he stands on eight goals from 13 Premiership matches for Falkirk, amid their outstanding return to the top flight, culminating in a top six finish. The Scotland U21s international has been named the William Hill Premiership Player of the Month for March after a hot-streak of form with six goals in his last five club matches across all competitions.

He was still playing at Heriot-Watt University just 18 months ago and turned professional at 20, debuting in the top flight earlier this calendar year after a good loan in the Championship with Dunfermline Athletic. He could become a big player in the title race that Hearts currently lead by a point, hosting Rangers twice, while the Bairns travel to Celtic and Tynecastle post-split. With a Hearts-supporting dad at home, Stewart would love a chance to turn kingmaker.

What Premiership play could play a big part in title race?

“That would be great to be fair,” said Stewart. “I plan on scoring before every game but that would be massive. Especially with my dad being a Hearts fan - that would be really big. I’m a Chelsea man so I have to worry about them winning the FA Cup.

“But I’m sure my dad would be buzzing if I did. He grew up in Edinburgh. He’s not going to their games but he’s a fan. There’s enough pressure on these games as it is .. I just have to view it as another game. In the summer I trained really hard because I wanted to get that number nine spot.

“Obviously I wanted to score a few goals but I’ve surpassed that. It’s been great for me in terms of doing more than I expected. I would love to hit another four. But you never know. It could be more or less.”

Barney Stewart on Hearts fan encounter

Such has Stewart’s fairytale rise to prominence been that being recognised in public has come as a nice surprise. One Hearts fan spotted him buying in birthday treats at Tesco as he celebrated his 22nd birthday this week. It came with a Gorgie request as the forward revealed a dressing down from boss McGlynn away at Tynecastle sparked his recent goal rush.

“It was a stern talking to!,” said Stewart. “I’m my own biggest critic and I know whatever the gaffer had to say I already had in my head. It was stay in between the sticks, hit the ball, there was so much I could have done better that game. I came off thinking I’m not coming off feeling like this after game again.

“It’s been a great month since that Hearts game. I got recognised at Tesco, it was a great feeling. I do talk some sh*** so if you see me in public just be aware of that! It was a Hearts fan on the till, because it was my birthday and I was in buying the boys treats.

William Hill's player of the Month for March, Barney Stewart, of Falkirk | Graeme Hunter Pictures

“I had to explain to him why I was going into training with easter eggs and stuff. I was trying to tell him it wasn’t normal, I don’t eat easter eggs before training. He told me to sign for Hearts! He was a nice guy. It’s so weird, though, I texted my missus afterwards and she said it makes no sense. We are just normal people, so someone coming up to me makes me think ‘oh my f****** hell’ - but it is quite special.”

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