If Nathaniel Atkinson’s first interview as a Hearts player is anything to go by, it’s going to be fun in Edinburgh.
Atkinson is teaming up with fellow Australian and A-Leagues product Cameron Devlin at the Scottish Premiership club after arriving from Melbourne City on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Both Atkinson and Devlin were involved at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where the Olyroos were unsuccessful in qualifying from their group.
Atkinson is relishing the opportunity to join Devlin at Tynecastle following his move from the Isuzu UTE A-League champions.
“I’ve known Cammy for about three years; first met in the junior Australian camps,” Atkinson told Hearts TV.
“We hit it off straight away; he’s a bit of a rascal! It’ll be good to see him again.”
It’s a golden age for Australian football in Scotland, where Ange Postecoglou is manager of giants Celtic and has already delivered a piece of silverware before Christmas.
Postecoglou has helped rejuvenate Socceroos star Tom Rogic at Parkhead.
City head coach Patrick Kisnorbo has also played for Hearts, as well as Dylan and Ryan McGowan.
“A lot of Australians have come here, done well and had a great career out of it,” the 22-year-old and 2021 Joe Marston medallist said.
“I think that’s pleasing and reassuring that this was the right move for me.”
Hearts are third in the Scottish Premiership during the mid-season break, nine points behind second-placed Celtic and 15 points adrift of leaders Rangers.
Robbie Neilson’s Hearts will resume their campaign against St Johnstone on January 18.
“It took some time to get it all sorted with Visas and such, but It’s good to finally be here,” Atkinson said. “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.”
Atkinson added: “Win as many trophies as possible and to play for the fans and enjoy myself. I think when you’re happy and enjoying yourself, that’s when your best football is played.
“I’m so excited to play at Tynecastle. The fan culture is slightly different in Europe than Australia. I know that Hearts fans bleed for the club and fight for the players. I can’t wait to be part of that.”
