Midfielder Ian Black has finally joined Hearts after signing a pre-contract agreement last December.

The 24-year-old former Tynecastle ball-boy, whose father also played for Hearts, agreed terms while still with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Black signed for Inverness in 2004 on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers.

"It’s a massive club with a massive fan base," said Black. "The manager and staff are great – being a Hearts fan, it makes it better to be part of it."

Black will provide competition in Csaba Laszlo’s squad which will compete in the inaugural Europa League tournament, which replaces the Uefa Cup this season.

Everyone stands out here. There’s no single player I could put a finger on. They’re a team and they showed it last year by finishing third Ian Black

He adds to this week’s arrival of Spanish winger Suso, while defender Jose Goncalves has returned from a loan spell at Nuremberg.

"It’s a bonus for the club to be involved in such a big stage, but just to be invited here to play for the club and be part of it is great," said Black before joining Hearts’ first pre-season training session.

"I feel really at home, but I know I’m going to have to work hard – every player does.

"Csaba’s going to bring in players and he has his players from last year – so I’m just the same as everyone else – I’ll have to work hard.

"This isn’t a stepping stone – I’m here to play for the jersey and I’m here as long as my contract. If I can extend that then it would be great.

"Everyone stands out here. There’s no single player I could put a finger on. They’re a team and they showed it last year by finishing third.

"To play with every one of them is going to be great."

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