With one rival away and another not yet up to full speed, the 22-year-old could well start against Glasgow Warriors on Friday and he's determined to take his chance should Anscombe throw him the number nine jersey.
And Heaney, who is in his second stint at the province, will know that a flying start on his return could well see him land an extended run in the side as Pienaar isn't expected back in Ulster colours until October 26.
"I got a good opportunity with Ruan and Paul both being away and hopefully I can keep stepping up and keep on producing the goods," Heaney, who is a short-term contract at the club, told the Belfast Telegraph.
"I love every minute of playing in front of a good home crowd at Ravenhill and hopefully I can get another start on Friday night."
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