Published: Tuesday, 2nd February, 2010 11:54am

Stevo is Tynecastle bound

by Stewart McConnell

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MIDFIELD marvel Ryan Stevenson spoke of this delight this week at joining Hearts after more than two glorious years with Ayr United.

And now former boss Brian Reid said Stevo, who moved to Tynecastle late on Monday night with Jambos Australian midfielder Rocky Visconte going in the opposite direction to Somerset Park until the rest of the season, says his former charge can make an impact at Gorgie.

The 25-year-old became new Hearts boss Jim Jefferies' first signing on returning to the Edinburgh club and it was in last year's two classic Ayrshire Scottish Cup derbies that he really caught the eye of the then Kilmarnock boss.

Reid said "Obviously Ryan wanted to move to Hearts and we were not going to stand in his way. He has been a great servant to Ayr United and goes with our best wishes. I believe he has the ability to step up and do well at a higher level but you really have to apply yourself. But he is confident and has two very good feet."

The attacking midfielder, renowned for so many wonder goals at Somerset Park told Hearts News on Monday night: "When I woke up this morning I never imagined I would be coming here. It's a bit surreal. Outside the Old Firm this is definitely the biggest club so I am over the moon that I am going to be here. I can't wait to get started but I am just disappointed that I am cup-tied for tomorrow night. I am dying to get my head down and make an impression. I like to try and help my team-mates out. I work hard and if I can get forward and ascore goals which is what I like to do."

Ryan was delighted to see the return of Jefferies to Tynecastle as manager on Friday and he has past connections with Jefferies through the Hearts Academy having left there for Chelsea just over 10 years ago.

"It was the manager who is here just now who was in charge, It is amazing how things work out. Obviously Chelsea came calling and I could not turn that down. To come back here, playing in the first team will make me very proud. Jim Jefferies showed an interest in me when he was at Kilmarnock. He's obviously one of the best managers in British football.

The Tynecastle club have agreed to pay an undisclosed fee for the player while Australian midfielder Rocky Visconte will head to Somerset Park until the end of the season.

Stevo had been the subject of interest from a host of other clubs including St Mirren, Killie and Aberdeen.

Jefferies said. "He's a lad who we've seen a bit of, he played against us a couple of time in a Cup tie with Kilmarnock last year. He's certainly got the presence to play in the Premier League. He's more of a forward thinking player. I've always felt he could make the step up. We've had to beat off a number of Premier League clubs to get his services. It was one that he's got the potential to go and do well. There's no huge fee.

"We'll see how he performs and wait and see when he makes his debut for us. Ryan is great with the dead-ball and has a bit of dig which is something we are really looking for as well as having a goal threat. He got a lot of goals last year and has not had so many this season but that is possibly down to the fact Ayr were at the top of the league last year. It is up to him to make it hard for the others and them likewise. He is cup-tied and misses the next couple of games but that will let us have a closer look at him. The midfield players are all capable of working hard, closing people down but I feel he's got the instinct to support the front people. He packs a good strike, physical strength and he has got good skill.

"Rocky Visconte I think will do well for Ayr. With their being no reserve league on now he has been brought into the first team and has done wwell but now he should get the opportunity to have regular games and that will be good for him."

Reid, who hopes to further add to his squad in the next couple of weeks, is delighted to have landed Visconte, who will team up with fellow Aussie Ryan McGowan, also on loan from Tynecastle.

"Rocky has featured in the Hearts first team in recent weeks and he can play at both left-back and midfield. Hopefully he will do well for us."