New boy Ryan Stevenson tonight revealed he's thrilled to be joining Hearts following his deadline busting deal from Ayr United.

The midfielder has put pen to paper on an two and a half year deal at Tynecastle and he can't wait to get started.

"I am over the moon that I've been able to come to a club this size," he told Hearts News in an exclusive interview here at Tynecastle tonight.

"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."

Manager Jim Jefferies has identified him as an attacking player, who will offer great support to the forward at Tynecastle.

Perhaps something of an unknown to Hearts supporters, he's regarded as one of the finest midfielders outside the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Of course Ryan is far more modest than that. "I am a central midfielder who likes to get forward and score goals," he explained.

"I like to try and help my team-mates out. I work hard and if I can get forward and score goals which is what I like to do."

The big plus for Ryan was the return of Jim Jefferies to Tynecastle as manager on Friday. Having been identified by the former Kilmarnock boss, Ryan is eager to make his mark, just over ten years after leaving the club's academy set up for Chelsea.

"It was the manager who is here just now who was in charge," Ryan continued. "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.

"Hopefully I can become a regular and push the club on to a top three or four finish.

"It will only help me if I am playing with better players. I know I have my work cut out but I don't just want to be a squad player.

"I want to show people that I am good enough to play in the Hearts team. I know it will be hard but I will work hard very single day to achieve that."

On Hearts.TV tomorrow - Listen to LIVE audio coverage of the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final against St Mirren at Fir Park from 7.30pm