Black joins his dream club Hearts

Ian Black has realised a boyhood dream by joining Hearts.

The 24-year-old quit relegated Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the end of last season.

"I grew up watching the likes of John Robertson and Gary Mackay, who were playing here when I was younger," he said.

"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."

"It feels great to be here," he told Hearts TV.

"I'm excited and just looking forward to meeting everyone, seeing the manager again and getting down to work.

"I'm just itching to go. I can't wait. Today it is going to happen and I'm excited. It's a massive club.

"To be here and to pull the jersey on is hopefully going to be great."