Hearts loanee James Hill has opened up on the advice Ryan Christie and Shayden Morris delivered ahead of moving to Scotland.
Robbie Neilson swooped for the Bournemouth defender on loan during the January transfer window to ease his defensive issues with Craig Halkett ruled out for the campaign. The stopper has made an instant impression at Tynecastle and says he owes a lot to his current boss for showing faith in him in what has been a 'real joy'.
Former Celtic star Christie has vast experience of the Scottish game and has also turned out for Aberdeen and Inverness. He won titles and domestic cups at Parkhead and played at the top level while establishing himself as a key man on the Scotland scene. His message to his Cherries team mate came in the form of the fan base and atmosphere with Morris backing up his assessment of the game north of the border.
READ MORE: Robbie Neilson Hearts must take 'next step' in Scottish Cup as he hails goal star Stephen Humphrys
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He said: “Ryan [Christie] talked to me about the fan base and the atmosphere in Scotland. Shayden [Morris] is one of my best mates as we played together at Fleetwood Town.
“I spoke to them before I came to Scotland, as it was a big move, and I wanted to make sure this was the right place for me. They told me only good things about Scottish football.
“It can be passionate and you are under pressure all the time, but it has exceeded all my expectations. I’ve had such a variety of games to contend with and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“I enjoy the intensity of it all and it’s all about keeping the standards high. I’ve gone from no football to playing every week — and it has been a real joy. I owe so much to the gaffer here as he has given me the opportunity and belief that I can play in his side.”
Hearts defeated Hamilton Accies in the Scottish Cup last 16 to secure their place in Monday's quarter-final draw. The Jambos went to the final last season before losing out to R angers and Hill believes there is 'unfinished business' in the competition as he and his colleagues bid to go one further this time around.
He continued: “One of our main goals this season is to win the Scottish Cup. We have to show we can deal with that pressure. I wasn’t here last year when the lads reached the final. But I do get the impression there’s unfinished business in this competition, 100 per cent.
“I genuinely think there is the belief we can go and do it this time. There is a real desire to keep pushing ourselves and keep driving forward for these incredible supporters. The fans have been amazing to me since I arrived. It is a pleasure to play in front of them.
“They have given me an enormous lift in every single game I have played. I’ve learned so much in a short period of time.
“It is great for me to play in front of big crowds and be under pressure, because if I want to step back into the side back at Bournemouth, I need to make a statement when I'm here."
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