Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson admits USA manager Jurgen Klinsmann helped the club cut through red tape to sign Perry Kitchen – after the Germany legend penned a glowing reference for the midfielder.
America internationalist Kitchen finally sealed his deal to Tynecastle on Wednesday after being granted a visa to make the switch from MLS side DC United.
And Neilson admits 1990 World Cup winner Klinsmann played a pivotal role.
Neilson said: “I didn’t speak to Jurgen but he put a letter in for his visa application.
“He was speaking about the player, what he thought of him.
“He was very complimentary of the player but also about the club he’s coming to.
“That was pleasing. He wants his players to play in Europe.”
Kitchen has not played competitive football since last November but after being part of a recent national team training camp, Neilson is planning to name him in his squad for tomorrow’s trip to Dundee.
He added: “He’ll be involved in the squad on Saturday although he’s maybe a few weeks away from starting.
“The season over there finished in November and he’s been away for a training camp for a month with the national team.
“He’s been backwards and forwards getting the paperwork sorted but he’ll be in the squad.”
