Blair Spittal wants to establish himself at Hearts after signing three-year deal

Blair Spittal is relishing the challenge of establishing himself at Hearts after signing a three-year deal with the Tynecastle club.

The 28-year-old midfielder agreed a pre-contract with the Jambos earlier this year and was officially unveiled by the Edinburgh club on Thursday following his departure from Motherwell.

Former Dundee United, Ross County and Partick Thistle player Spittal feels he has “matured” in recent years and is ready to deliver his best at Hearts.

“I’m buzzing and absolutely delighted to be joining such a massive club,” Spittal told Hearts TV.

“It’s been in the background for the last couple of months so to finally be here is a good feeling.

“The position that I play in is one that’s judged by the numbers. Last season was a productive one for myself and it’s one that I’m looking to carry on.

“After one conversation with the manager, I knew I wanted to come here. This is a club that keeps moving forward and it was an offer I couldn’t turn down to come here.

“I’ve experienced a lot in football, with a few ups and downs along the way. I feel as though I’ve really matured over the last couple of years, and I think my performances have shown that.

“I’ve started taking on more responsibility and enjoyed my career so far. Hopefully the next few years can bring more highlights.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of getting myself established here.”

Spittal is the third new signing to be confirmed by Hearts this week following the arrival of left-back James Penrice and goalkeeper Ryan Fulton.

“I’m really pleased to get Blair signed up,” said manager Steven Naismith.

“He’s got a wealth of experience in Scottish football and his form last season was up there with the best in the league.

“He’s going to provide another dimension to the team going forward and he’ll give us more options when we start navigating through domestic and European fixtures.

“Blair is similar to others in the squad in that he’s had to work extremely hard to create and then take the opportunities to get to where he is in his career.

“That work ethic is impressive and I think he can continue to progress and maximise the level he can achieve.

“I know he’s keen to impress in a Hearts shirt and I’m sure he’ll fit in well to our team.”