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Garang Kuol says he is confident he has made the right decision to join three of his Socceroos colleagues in a loan deal at Scottish top-flight club Heart of Midlothian for the rest of the season.
- Garang Kuol is on loan from EPL team Newcastle United
- He joins fellow Socceroos Nathaniel Atkinson, Kye Rowles and Cammy Devlin at Hearts
- The Edinburgh side is third in the Scottish Premiership behind Celtic and Rangers
The exciting 18-year-old attacker finally sealed his deal with Hearts after English Premier League club Newcastle United were inundated with offers for the services of one of the hottest prospects in the Australian game.
The loan comes fresh from his performance at the World Cup, where he became the youngest male player since Pelé to feature in the knockout rounds with a late cameo and nearly a goal against champions Argentina.
Newcastle are hopeful Kuol will get valuable experience of the British game in Edinburgh alongside his three national team colleagues — Kye Rowles, Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson.
"I am very happy to be here. I can't wait to play here in front of these amazing fans. I just felt it was a great team, with great fans, a great stadium, and a great history," Kuol told Hearts TV after the deal was sealed.
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"The gaffer [Hearts manager Robbie Neilson] also persuaded me to come here with the plan that he put to me for my development.
"Overall, the club has great ambitions and goals and that was something I wanted to be involved in. I think it was a very good decision."
Kuol knew Rowles well in their spell at the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.
"He was one of the senior players at the time, but he is a great guy and someone who has helped me a lot," Kuol said.
"As for Cammy, I have known him since about September and we just struck up a connection straight away.
"I met all the other lads today and they all seem great lads and I can't wait to get to know them more."
Hearts' Aussie contingent have ensured the Edinburgh side, known as the "Jambos", are now proud of their growing band of 'Jamboroos'.
Kuol could go straight into the squad for Friday night's Premiership match with St Mirren if he can get his international clearance in time.
Neilson was delighted Hearts beat a host of suitors to the signature of the youngster, who is surplus to requirements on Tyneside for now as Newcastle sit third in the race for the English Premier League title.
Hearts are third in the Scottish league, well behind Celtic and Rangers.
Kuol's arrival is good news for Neilson, who told the club website: "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."
Asked what Hearts fans could expect of him, Kuol said: "I would say I am a positive player, who tries to get the ball forward and someone who works hard to get goals and assists to help the team.
"I just can't wait to score in front of these fans at [Hearts' home ground] Tynecastle and do a knee-slide celebration."
AAP