Hearts have completed the signing of Garang Kuol on loan.
The Tynecastle club have signed the highly-rated Australian forward until the end of the season.
Kuol, 18, joined Newcastle officially on January 1 from Central Coast Mariners having agreed a pre-contract move.
Hearts moved quickly to land the wonderkid on a temporary deal after he featured for Austalia at the World Cup in Qatar.
It's thought Kuol could be in contention to feature against St Mirren tomorrow night, subject to international clearance.
On the signing, Robbie 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.”
Kuol said: “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.
"The gaffer 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.
“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 Tynecastle and do a knee-slide celebration.”
Sporting director Joe Savage said: “We’re thrilled to be able to get this deal done and welcome Garang to Gorgie.
“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.”
