Adelaide-born McGowan, 21, has been with Hearts since 2006 but is nearing the end of a three-year deal he signed with the club in mid-2008.

In McGowan's contract it is stipulated that Hearts have an option to re-sign him for a further two years and the Aussie wants to use the remainder of the season to convince the club to do so.

"It's up to me to do well between now and the end of the season and then I'll speak to the gaffer at a later time," McGowan told the Daily Record.

McGowan, who was part of the Australia training camp which assembled in Germany last month, has made four substitute appearances for Hearts this season, including a run in the Edinburgh derby three weeks ago.

The defender/midfielder also spent February and March out on loan at second tier Partick Thistle.

McGowan added he now wants regular first-team football at Hearts.

"That's why I came over from Australia, to play, and that's what I want to do,” McGowan said.

"I want to play as many games as I can between now and the end of the season and hopefully push on next season and become a regular."

McGowan explained his loan spell at Partick was all about returning to Hearts in good shape.

"With no reserve league it was getting to the stage where I wasn't match fit,” McGowan said.

"My worst-case scenario was if the gaffer needed me and he threw me in and I wasn't match fit then I wouldn't do myself any justice.

"He agreed and I went out to Partick Thistle on loan. That was a great experience for me.

"I played eight or nine games there and when I came back I felt I was a little bit ahead of some of the boys who stayed here.

"That showed with the gaffer trusting me to come on against Hibs and that was an experience I'll never forget and was a great day."