Robbie Neilson has set Liam Boyce a target of 20 goals this season.
The Hearts striker has scored three in three Premier Sports Cup games so far this season as the Jambos booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Stirling Albion last night.
The Northern Ireland international opened the scoring in the first half before Finlay Pollock’s first senior goal sealed the win for Neilson ’s men.
Boyce was the Tynecastle top scorer last term with 14 goals in a truncated Championship season.
Now the club and player are back in the Premiership, Neilson has challenged him to become the first Hearts striker to hit the 20 mark since club legend John Robertson nearly 30 years ago.
“He’s very, very important for us,” said Neilson. “I spoke to Liam at the start of pre-season and said that I want him to score 20 goals this season.
“I think he’ll get chances and I thought he could have been more ruthless last night. He could have had three or four to be honest with you.
“But it’s great that he’s on the scoresheet.”
Pollock won’t be expected to do the same after netting the first senior goal of his career and Neilson only wished there were more fans in the stadium to see the teenager’s big moment.
He added: “I was delighted. I just wish there were more fans there to see it and enjoy it.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air since he came in. We thought about starting him but he’s played the last two games and it;s important to keep that freshness when they’re young like that. We don’t want to burn them out.
“He’ll play a wee bit today [against Leicester] and he’ll be in contention for a start on Sunday.
“But I’m absolutely delighted for him. He’s a great kid from a Jambo family so I know they’re delighted that he got on the scoresheet.”
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