Kye Rowles has revealed he will officially get started at Hearts in July.
Robbie Neilson's latest recruit is on a massive high after helping Australia secure a spot at the World Cup finals later this year.
The new Jambos defender played a starring role as the Socceroos defeated Peru on penalties to seal their place at Qatar 2022.
Hearts will be challenging domestically and on the European stage next season with group stage football guaranteed for the capital men.
Rowles will now take a well deserved few weeks off before the hard work at Tynecastle begins.
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He said: “It’s exciting times. That’s what you play football for - to push yourself and give yourself new challenges. I can’t wait.
“It’s going to be an amazing experience. I’m just stoked at how the last two to three weeks have turned out. It’s been unreal.
“I will go back to Australia for a few weeks then head over to Scotland early in July. Then it’s about kick starting over there.”
On qualifying for the World Cup finals with Australia, he added: “You live for these moments and I’m making the most of it!
I didn’t expect to feature in these games, but that’s what’s so great about these boys - when we’re called upon we stand up.
“That’s what being Aussie is all about. When you are called up doing your country and your mates proud.
READ MORE: Hearts set for six-figure cash boost as Australia qualify for World Cup finals
“It was so many emotions all at one time - I can’t even describe it. All good emotions and it will sink in over the coming weeks.
“We will celebrate now, let our hair down and then focus. We will only get better in the next four or five months.”
Rowles hopes to land many, many more caps and moments to remember with Graham Arnold's side.
The 23-year-old was uncapped just two weeks ago before making his debut in a friendly against Jordan and then playing the full games against UAE and Peru.
He told NewsTalk4BC: “Hopefully there’s plenty more caps to come and plenty more moments like this.
“It’s been a long journey and you appreciate these moments even more when you see experienced boys who have dug deep their whole career and maybe only had one experience or maybe don’t get to experience it at all.
“It’s been a long road but when you get moments like this you forget everything and think, ‘wow’.
“The chemistry between the boys and coaching staff with the Aussie squad is second to none. We have made it one big family environment and it showed the way we were fighting for each other.
“We showed as lot of grit and determination. These boys are amazing.”
