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New Hearts midfielder Ross Callachan admits he is living the dream after joining his boyhood heroes on an initial two-year deal from Raith Rovers.
The Tynecastle club are thought to have paid a fee in the region of £50,000 to recruit the Rovers captain, who has become Craig Levein’s first signing in his second stint as manager.
The 23-year-old, who made over 150 appearances at Stark’s Park, joined Raith as a 14-year-old but admits he had no hesitation in making the switch to his hometown club.
Callachan said: “It’s a dream, I grew up watching the club, so for Hearts to come in with an offer and for Raith to accept it, it’s a dream come true.
“I heard about a week ago that there had been interest although there hadn’t been a concrete offer.
“I was really interested at that point and wondering what was going on.
“They made an offer at the weekend and had been going back and forward. I’m happy it’s done and that I’m a Hearts player, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m buzzing about the prospect of stepping out at Tynecastle, I’m a Hearts fan playing for Hearts.
“You ask any fan, they’d love to do it and I’m doing so it’s a dream come true for me.
“As a fan I looked up to Rudi Skacel and he was at Raith last year so I got to meet him.
“He was a Hearts legend, he was great with me and helped me a long, I learned a lot from him.”
Callachan made his debut for Rovers in 2011 and is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits in the Premiership for the first time.
He added: “I felt it was the right time to step up, I’m 23 now and I’m not a young boy anymore.
“I’ve played a lot of games for my age, I feel like now is the right time to challenge myself and learn. I think this is a great club to do that.
“There’s guys like Christophe Berra, who has played in the Premier League in England, and you’re only going to learn off these guys and get better.”
Callachan believes he will add dynamism to the Hearts engine room.
He added: “I’d say I’m an energetic player and get around the pitch, probably a box to box midfielder.
“I’m neat and tidy on the ball and I can’t put myself about as well.”
