Ellis Simms is loving life at Hearts.
The 21-year-old moved to Tynecastle in January on-loan from Everton and he's not looked back.
Simms made his Toffees debut in December against Chelsea in the English Premier League.
But he joined Robbie Neilson's side in search of first team football and he's benefiting from working alongside strike partner Liam Boyce.
“I’ve loved every minute of it," Simms told the Daily Record. "Coming on loan is about playing and that’s what I’ve managed. I’ve four goals from 11 games and hopefully there’s more to come.
“It’s about developing as a player and this is perfect.
“Making my Everton debut in December was special even though I was thrown in at the last minute. I travelled down with the squad and I knew we had a few injuries and covid absentees. But a few hours before the game another player tested positive.
“We barely had any attackers and when the manager read the team out in the dressing room there I was!
“I’d been waiting for that moment for a long time and I was absolutely thrilled. I just tried to embrace the moment.
“It was a difficult game. I was up against Rudiger, Azpilicueta, and Thiago Silva. They have some daft number of international appearances between them. So it was always going to be tough.
“But I did okay and we got a good result, 1-1. It was a great feeling.
“I knew myself I needed regular top team action though and when this loan offer came in it was pretty much a no brainer.
“Playing beside Liam Boyce can only make me a better player.
“We complement each other well. I like to run in behind and stretch the game and it frees up space for Boycey to get on the ball and do his thing.
“I know he’s good on the ball, he can find a pass and his shooting is so good.
“I’d definitely fancy him to hit that 20 mark that people talk about. He’s a good finisher and he gets into good positions. He’s a very intelligent footballer.
“Boycey was scoring for fun before I came and maybe they’ve not been flowing quite as freely in recent weeks but he has found himself in a deeper role.
“He brings other aspects to the game and it’s not always about the goals because he’s providing assists and passes which are crucial.
“I can only learn good things from him. He’s older than me, has plenty of international experience with Northern Ireland, has been around the game and he’s always giving little tips about movements and some defensive stuff as well.
“He’s a massively important character at the club.”
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