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.
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READ MORE: Robbie Neilson details Hearts selection plans with high volume of games ahead of European adventure
Atkinson can't wait for the new season to get started and hopes he is able to showcase his talents and secure a place in Australia's World Cup squad by delivering for his club side on the big stage.
Speaking to Edinburgh Evening News about Rowles, he said: “I can’t wait.
“I’ve been good mates with Rowlesy for a long time now.
"I was in the Australian youth teams with him and then the Olympics side. Then we came through in the Socceroos as well and qualified for the World Cup together.
“His first cap was the first qualifier and the second one was to qualify.
"For me, he was our best player in the qualifiers. He’s a terrific player and I think he’s going to bring a lot to this team and help us do well in Europe.”
Looking forward to Hearts' campaign, he added: It’s definitely going to be a big season.
“We have some big games coming up early on and we’ve got European football to play. I’m looking forward, hopefully, to being selected for the World Cup, so these big games will benefit me and hopefully I can put in some good performances and have a good season.
“The best way to put my best foot forward and get into the Australia team is to perform for Hearts. I’ll take each game as it comes.”
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