Talented teenager Arvydas Novikovas is still savouring his first-team debut for Hearts - and revealed he has no regrets about rejecting the chance to join Benfica.

The Portuguese giants had him on trial and were keen to land the highly-rated Lithuanian youngster last summer after he impressed with FK Vilnius before he opted to pursue his football dream with the Jambos.

Now, having pulled on the maroon for the first time in front of 60,000 fans against Celtic at Parkhead ten days ago, the 18-year-old is convinced he made the right decision in agreeing a three-year deal at Tynecastle.

Talking to Hearts News from Lithuania where he is preparing for his country's UEFA European U21 Championship clash with Greece on Saturday, Arvydas said he was always confident Hearts would prove to be the right move for him.

"The game against Celtic was a great experience for me," he said. "To play in front of such a big crowd was a very special occasion and I think it proves that I made the right decision to come to Hearts.

"Benfica wanted me to sign a contract with them but I decided on Hearts and I am happy that I made the right decision."

The Gorgie starlet made his debut from the bench early in the second half of the Celtic clash and he admitted to some nerves as he prepared for the biggest game of his fledgling career.

But having savoured the first-team experience, he is keen to see more action next season.

"The boss told me at half-time that I would be coming on after about five minutes or so and I was very nervous waiting there for my opportunity," he said.

"To be honest the first few minutes were a bit scary but after I got a few touches of the ball and got into the game it was fine. I was able to shut out the supporters and concentrate on what I was supposed to be doing on the pitch.

"I was a little bit surprised to play so much of the match but I was delighted the boss showed faith in me. Obviously I would like to play more games for the first team but first I must do consistently well for the Reserves, keep working hard and take things from there."