Nathaniel Atkinson has aimed a cheeky dig at Hibs by declaring Hearts the biggest club in Edinburgh, and insists bigger things are coming for the Jambos next season.
The right back has impressed since signing for the club in January from Melbourne City, helping Robbie Neilson 's team cruise to a third placed finish in the Premiership.
The 22-year-old also got his first taste of the Edinburgh derby and is unbeaten in three appearances.
Back-to-back wins in April saw the Jambos book their spot in the Europa League play-off round before dumping their bitter rivals out of the Scottish Cup with a 2-1 semi-final triumph at Hampden.
Atkinson is still revelling in those victories, and has predicted more to come from the Scottish Cup finalists next term.
He’ll be joined by Socceroos teammate Kye Rowles after the centre back signed a three-year deal with Hearts earlier this week.
The pair are currently on international duty, preparing for a massive do-or-die World Cup playoff final against Peru on Monday night.
Both will be hoping they return to the capital with a trip to Qatar in the diary for December.
The roommates took part in a live Q&A on Instagram from their training base, and Atkinson couldn’t resist issuing a reminder of which club are the top dog in Auld Reekie.
Speaking on his first few months in maroon, he said: “It’s been great. Got there in January and got Covid when I first got there but after that, it’s been great to be at the biggest club!
“Getting a couple of wins over the other team in Edinburgh is always good, especially knocking them out of the cup.
“But bigger things are coming next season.”
Rowles was more diplomatic in his response, but admits he’s heard nothing but good things about life at Hearts from Atkinson and fellow Aussie Cammy Devlin.
“I haven’t been there yet but I’ve heard great things from both Nate and Cammy Devlin,” he said. “I can’t wait to get over there. I know it's a massive club and I’ve heard it’s an amazing city.
“I’m very excited to see what it’s like over there and potentially make my debut. I can’t wait ‘til that day.”
Rowles and Devlin were apart of the Australia Under 23 side that shocked Argentina in the Tokyo olympics last year and he’s keen to catch up with his new clubmate in Scotland.
“I’m excited to meet up with Cammy,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve seen him since the Olympics.”
But it’s fair to say Atkinson, who has daily interaction with Devlin since teaming up at Tynecastle, is less enthusiastic.
He added: “I’m not excited to see him to be fair, I see him every day and he’s annoying. Plus he’s got a new girlfriend so he doesn’t really see me anymore.”
