Heart of Midlothian midfielder Rocco Visconte has joined Scottish first division club Ayr United on loan.

The young Australian was part of a deal that saw Ayr's Ryan Stevenson go the other way to join Hearts permanently.

Ayr manager Brian Reid said the deal was a positive one for his club despite the fact they have lost Stevenson.

"It's tough to lose a player of Ryan's quality, but we can't stand in his way with an opportunity like this for him," said Reid.

"It's not a bad deal for us either with a loan player and a fee coming our way."

19-year old Visconte joins another young Australian and Hearts teammate Ryan McGowan at Somerset Park where he will get the opportunity to further his development by playing regular first team football.