Michael McGovern insists he plans to fight for the Hearts number one jersey after becoming the club’s first summer signing.
The experienced goalkeeper has returned to Scotland on an initial 12 month deal after spending the last seven years with Norwich City.
It was at Carrow Road that McGovern was a team-mate of Hearts technical director Steven Naismith, while head coach Frankie McAvoy was also part of the Canaries backroom staff.
McGovern has been brought in to challenge Zander Clark for the gloves as Craig Gordon continues his recovery from injury.
And the 39-year-old former Ross County, Falkirk and Hamilton shot-stopper is looking forward to the task ahead.
He said: “Craig’s making his way back from injury, and he did really well last season – playing fantastically.
“I’ll be pushing them both, trying to get into the team, because I’m wanting to play.
“Even if I’m not, I want to be supporting whoever is playing and trying to be a positive member of the group. That’s the way I do things.
“I’m delighted. Hearts are a massive club, I’m excited to be here and looking forward to getting started.
“It’s pleasing to be back because I loved my time in Scottish football. I loved the passion that the fans have and I’m looking forward to getting back into it, being in front of crowds and enjoying the atmosphere.
“I played with Naisy at Norwich and worked with both Frankie and (sporting director) Joe Savage at Hamilton and Norwich. There are a lot of familiar faces and once the opportunity to come here came about, I was desperate to be a part of it.”
Northern Ireland cap McGovern admits he also spoke to Hearts striker Liam Boyce and Aaron Hughes, who saw out his career in Gorgie, about the switch to Tynecastle.
The one-time Celtic keeper added: “I want to be involved at a big club in Scotland. Hearts are among the biggest and it’s not something I could turn down.
“I spoke to Boycie the other day and had a chat with Aaron Hughes, who I still speak to now and again.
“They spoke really highly of the club. Hopefully I can contribute and be one of those players people speak about in the future.”
McGovern could make his first appearance for the club in tomorrow’s closed door friendly at Wigan.
Hearts technical director Naismith, who let go of back-up keeper Ross Stewart during the summer, said: “I played with Michael at Norwich City so I know first-hand how good of a goalkeeper he is and he has the right characteristics to fit into this group of players.
“With departures from last season and Craig Gordon working hard on his rehabilitation, we were a bit short in the goalkeeping department so when the opportunity came up to bring someone of Michael’s pedigree in, it was really a no brainer.
“The experience he’s amassed playing at the highest level in Scotland, England and internationally will be a massive benefit to the squad as a whole, but particularly our goalkeepers.
“We’re excited about Harry Stone’s prospects and Michael coming in allows him to get even more game time, be it with the B Team or a loan move, with a view to him coming into the first team squad.”
