HEARTS have confirmed the capture of Australian international Nathaniel Atkinson.

The 22-year-old arrives at Tynecastle from Melbourne City on a three-and-a-half-year deal. 

The right-back has been linked with a switch to the Jambos for some time.

Speaking to Hearts TV, the Aussie conveyed his delight at getting the transfer over the line - claiming the deal represents a "match made in heaven". 

He said: "It took some time to get it all sorted with Visas and such, but It's good to finally be here. 

"I first heard about Hearts' interest about a month or two ago. I had gotten to a stage in my career where I was ready to play in Europe, and fortunately Hearts were interested.

"It was a match made in heaven and things moved pretty quickly after that."

A familiar face awaits the player, with former Australia Olympics team-mate Cammy Devlin at Tynecastle.

The midfield maestro cheekily took to social media to try and speed up the move, with the right-back looking forward to teaming up once again with his old friend.

He added: "I've known Cammy for about three years; first met in the junior Australian camps. We hit it off straight away; he's a bit of a rascal! It'll be good to see him again.

"A lot of Australians have come here, done well and had a great career out of it. I think that's pleasing and reassuring that this was the right move for me."