Alex Cochrane says European football was one of the main factors behind sealing a permanent exit from English Premier League side Brighton to join Hearts.
The left-back enjoyed a successful loan spell at Tynecastle last season in which Robbie Neilson's men earned a third place Premiership finish and Scottish Cup final place. Their achievements in the league means that they have a Europa League play-off to look forward to this summer, and even if they aren't to move forward in that competition, they'll contest the Europa Conference League group stages until December.
Cochrane signs a three-year deal at Hearts and has joined Neilson's men for their warm weather training camp in Marbella, Spain. He is the fourth summer signing for the Jambos after Lewis Neilson's arrival from Dundee United, Alan Forrest of Livingston and Kye Rowles swapping A League side Central Coast Mariners over in Australia for Edinburgh's capital.
Versatility was displayed by the 22-year-old on the left side of the pitch last season as he made 40 first team appearances and he scored three goals.
Those trips on the continent have helped convince the defender that Tynecastle is the best place for his development.
He told Hearts TV: "I just thought it was the right place for me to be. I enjoyed myself a lot last season.
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“The team had a great campaign and I want to be part of it again, push on in the league as well as Europe and cup competitions because the squad we’ve got here, we’ve got the capability to do that again.
“That (Europe) is a big, big motivation. Plus, last year I thought I did well but there is more to give from my side. I’m looking forward to getting started and cracking on.”
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