Midfielder Ian Black may have been Csaba Laszlo's first signing for the new season but he insisted today he's going to have to prove himself worthy of a place in his Hearts team.

The former Tynecastle ball boy realised his dream with his pre-contract move to the Edinburgh club and is now desperate for the action to begin so he can demonstrate his worth.

The 24-year-old was formally unveiled to the media at the stadium yesterday and he said: "I'm here to try and make a place for myself in this squad. I wouldn't like to say I am going to bring anything in particular, whatever I am asked to do hopefully I will do it.

"The side isn't really missing anything, the boys have done great over the past season and I can't knock them. But the manager has brought me in to do a job and he'll sit down and speak with me and watch me during pre-season. And whatever he asks me I will do to the best of my ability.

"It is not just going to be a challenge for me, it will be a challenge for everybody. I wouldn't like to think any player has a starting position for the start of the season already.

"We have pre-season to work hard and I'll be the same as everyone else, working hard to impress the manager in the games we have.

"Whoever he selects for the first game of the season against Dundee United will be right and if I am in that side I will be delighted."

Ian is looked upon by many observers as a gritty character in the middle of the park but he stressed that he has more to offer.

"I like to think of myself as a bit of a quiet boy now!" he smiled.

"I like to get on the ball, that's one of the good things about my game, I like to pass and keep the ball. But everybody needs that bit of grit and I am quite happy I have that as well.

"It's just great to finally be here. The summer was the hardest bit. Every player wants it to come - but I just wanted it to end so I could be involved here.

"It's great. I have been around the stadium a couple of times during the close season and I felt really excited - and really at home.

"It felt as if I had been here for a while. I am just ready to pull on a jersey now. I am really excited and I want to get going."

On Hearts.TV today, Ian Black talks about his dream move to Tynecastle.