Nathaniel Atkinson can't wait to get started at Hearts alongside countryman Kye Rowles following his summer transfer from Central Coast Mariners.
Robbie Neilson moved quickly to secure the Australia defender - who picked up his first caps in the recent successful international break that ended with the Socceroos reaching the World Cup finals in Qatar later this year. Jambos ace Atkinson has been good pals with his new team-mate for a long time and has hailed the stopper as the 'best player' in the recent qualifiers.
His qualities shone through as part of Graham Arnold's backline and he reckons the 23-year-old will bring a lot to his new employers as they get set for a massive season. Finishing third behind Celtic and Rangers in the Premiership last term and reaching the Scottish Cup Final has guaranteed Hearts European group stage football. They enter the Europa League play-off round and just stand 180 minutes away from a spot in the tournament proper. Should they lose at this stage and they will drop into the Europa Conference League - meaning eight guaranteed European ties on top of domestic matters.
