CALUM ELLIOT'S head is unlikely to be turned by a Bank of Scotland Premierleague young player of the month award. At least not while the 18-year-old Hearts striker is still scrubbing his manager's boots.

Elliot yesterday collected the December bauble after a month in which he firmly established his first-team credentials. A new contract binding him to the Gorgie club until June 2009 was also agreed, confirming his status as a rising Scottish star amid the welter of foreign imports resident at Tynecastle.

He has not, though, escaped the chores of a groundstaff boy yet as Graham Rix continues to enjoy the service initially demanded by George Burley. "I still do the manager's boots, " said Elliot. "There are still some things to be done around the place."

John McGlynn, the coach who has played a key role in Elliot's development, confirmed they were keen to ensure there would be no swelling of ego. "We are trying to keep his feet on the ground and make sure he doesn't get carried away, " said McGlynn. "They are very minimal chores - as I'm sure the rest of groundstaff would agree. He's still only 18 years of age and had a lot to learn."

Elliot admitted the contract agreement had been a relief and insisted he was delighted to have committed his future to the club he joined from Salvesen Boys.

"It was good to get the contract out of the way because it preys at the back of your mind the longer it goes on, " said Elliot. "There is no better place to be than Hearts in terms of the training facilities and coaching staff."

McGlynn was effusive in his assessment of Elliot's f ledgling impact and claimed even the seasoned pros were spurred on by his frantic work-rate.

"The fans expect 100-per cent and relate to Calum's effort, " said McGlynn. "It also has an inspirational effect on the more experienced players round about him. In the game against Celtic he showed talent and ability as good as any. He led the line expertly."

That agonising 3-2 defeat was especially hard on Elliot, whose first-half performance was just about as good as any Scottish forward has delivered this season. McGlynn believes his emergence will provide the perfect motivation for Hearts' other burgeoning talents "When George Burley came in, the bar was raised in terms of the quality of signings, " said McGlynn. "That made it more difficult for youngsters to break through and that means Calum deserves even more credit.

"It also shows to the rest of the young Scottish boys that if you are good enough, you can still make it, and I believe there are another few just bubbling under."

Lee Johnson signed for Hearts on Wednesday and the Tynecastle club remain hopeful of concluding a deal for Mirsad Beslija, the Bosnian winger. McGlynn also confirmed that talks are ongoing with a trio of Liverpool reserves; Neil Mellor, Darren Potter and Francis Smith.