Ian Black has vowed to be a hit at Hearts after realising a boyhood dream by joining the Edinburgh club.

The midfielder was a ballboy at Tynecastle as a youngster and jumped at the chance to sign a pre-contract agreement back in December.

He now hopes to follow in the footsteps of his Jambos heroes and make the most of the opportunity, saying: "I grew up watching the likes of John Robertson and Gary Mackay, who were playing here when I was younger."

He added: "I was a ball boy for the majority of the times I was at the games. It was great just being around the stadium and watching players like that.

"It's really exciting. I used to look on when I was younger and think 'I'd love that to be me'.

"I've worked hard and I'm starting to get the rewards now. But this is just the start of it and I've got a lot further to go."

The move to Hearts also sees him continue a family tradition after his father - also Ian - spent three years at the club.

"It's a funny one," said Black. "Everybody looks back on that and it's great.

"He has spoken to me and told me to knuckle down and work hard and enjoy it. I wasn't around when he was playing but he has told me a few stories.

"He enjoyed his time here and said I would enjoy it too."