HEARTS boss Robbie Neilson has told of his delight at winning the battle to sign Newcastle United's Garang Kuol, who has linked up with the Scottish Premiership side on loan until the end of the season.

After officially joining Newcastle at the start of this month, Kuol was in-demand with the Magpies having made clear their intentions to send the teenager out on loan.

The 18-year-old visited the Hearts training ground last week and, after positive talks with Neilson, agreed on the move to Tynecastle, where he'll link up with three of his Australia World Cup teammates.

Neilson said: “It’s fantastic news that Garang has committed himself to Hearts for the next six months.

“It’s no secret that we were extremely interested in him and he came up for a look around last week. He was impressed with what he saw and what we’re trying to do here, which is pleasing.

“We’re getting a player who is by no means the finished article but there is a lot of talent there – you don’t get called up to and play in the World Cup for nothing.

“He’ll offer us new options going forward as we look to continue our good form and continue to make progress in the league and in the Scottish Cup, and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

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The club's sporting director Joe Savage added: “We’re thrilled to be able to get this deal done.

“His talents were courted by some of the biggest clubs in the continent when he was playing in Australia and he went on to play in the World Cup finals, so to be able to bring such an exciting prospect to Hearts speaks volumes about the appeal of our club.

“I have to extend a big thank you to Kwaku Mensah and Newcastle United’s Shola Ameobi and Dan Ashworth for placing their trust in us and helping to bring Garang here.

“We’re all really looking forward to Garang pulling on the maroon jersey and I know our fans will be excited by him too.”