Aaron McEneff has been promised starts for Hearts towards the end of the season having impressed since moving from Shamrock Rovers.
The 25-year-old midfielder penned a deal to join the Scottish Championship side at the start of this month.
He has settled in quickly and done well off the bench for his new club in away games against Ayr and Queen of the South.
McEneff admitted recently that he was keen to make a quick impression as, having been called into the Republic of Ireland squad for last November's UEFA Nations League clash with Bulgaria, he wants to remain in Stephen Kenny's plans.
But Tynecastle bosses are taking a longer term view with the focus on McEneff getting up to speed having last played in Rovers' FAI Cup final loss to Dundalk.
“I think he’s done very well for us when he’s come off the bench,” said Hearts' head coach Robbie Neilson.
"He gives us energy, good drive and positivity in that midfield.
"We need to be careful with him because he has not trained since December.
"It’s important we build him up gradually but Aaron will be a starter for us towards the end of the season, next season and going forward because he is a top player and we’re delighted to have him.”
Speaking this week, McEneff stressed his desire to be in the hunt for an Ireland call-up for the start of the World Cup qualification campaign against Serbia and Luxembourg next month.
“With those games coming up, the move puts me in the shop window," he said. "There are games I can be playing before the squad is picked.
“The League of Ireland’s doesn’t start until March 19, so playing games here in Scotland gives me a chance.
“All I can do is work hard, but it comes down to Stephen Kenny’s decision.
"The only way you can do that is by performing at club level and that’s where my focus is at the moment.
“But these are exciting times with so many young players coming through, be it in the League of Ireland, England or Scotland.
“It's an exciting pool of talent. It's an exciting time for Irish football and I’d like to be a part of it".
