After one Betfred Cup appearance against Edinburgh City and a substitute outing against Hearts, Gillespie looked set for a season on the sidelines.

But Carson was struck by deep vein thrombosis last month and has since been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Gillespie has impressed in three games since then and saved a penalty during a midweek draw with Celtic.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to face Hearts, Gillespie admitted he thought Carson might have moved on in the summer.

The former Carlisle and Walsall goalkeeper said: "That's water under the bridge now really. There was a chance of that but in football there's no guarantees.

"It was just a case of getting my head down and working hard, but long term I wanted to play games. I have played a lot of games in my career already. I obviously have the chance to do that now and it's a case of making the most of it.

"The work that I have put in over the past four or five months when I wasn't playing hopefully comes out in the games over the next few weeks.

"Obviously it's not the best way to get in and first and foremost everyone at the club hopes Trevor gets better soon. But football goes on so, once I knew I had my chance, I knew I had to take it.

"I'm fairly pleased with the start I have made personally so I'm just looking forward to kicking on."

The 26-year-old added: "I'm really enjoying it. Even when I wasn't playing. The club has been brilliant and going around the different stadiums you get a feel for the league and it's really good.

"Being out there is obviously even better and to make a penalty save in a big game on the TV with a great atmosphere was obviously a good contribution.

"But we have another big game on Saturday. We played them there in the cup and it was another good stadium so I am looking forward to it."

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