John Souttar seeks upturn at Hearts after leaving Dundee United

John Souttar believes he can get his career back on track after completing a Deadline Day move to Hearts from Dundee United.

The Scotland U21 international arrived at Tynecastle for an undisclosed fee after a move to take Osman Sow to Chinese football gave the Edinburgh side extra transfer funds to spend.

Souttar made 21 of his 73 appearances for United this season after breaking into their team at the age of just 16 in 2013.

But having been involved in a relegation fight which the Tannadice side are currently losing, he is happy to go in a different direction with his new side.

Souttar, who has signed a three and a half-year told Hearts News: "I'm delighted to have signed. I think I'm joining a brilliant club at a great time.

"There are so many exciting things happening at this club and Robbie Neilson is a coach who likes to give young players like myself their chance.

"I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in and getting my career back on track. I would like to say thank you to all the fans and the people at Dundee United for their support over the years and who gave me the chance to play football."

Hearts head coach Neilson added: "I'm really happy to get John here to Hearts. He's a player who we've admired for a long time and I'm delighted to secure him.

"We see John as one of the brightest prospects in Scotland and one who we can develop further.

"It shows the intent of Hearts to not only develop young players from our own academy but recruit them too and continue their development."

Souttar will be available to make his Hearts debut in Sunday's Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Edinburgh rivals Hibernian at Tynecastle this Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Meanwhile, midfielder Danny Swanson has joined Premiership rivals St Johnstone on an 18-month deal after leaving Hearts by mutual consent on Monday.

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