Back on track

time. It was just such a crazy time. I definitely had some people there to come down and watch me that could. My mum and dad stayed up the road because of work commitments and everything but I knew they were there with me and I had so much support coming from back home as well. The night was such a blur but the support I received from family and friends back up home, and everyone, was incredible. “I left Swansea to go to Hull to get playing every week. I got gametime at Swansea but it wasn’t as consistent as I wanted. To go to Hull was what I thought was best at the time, to push on and get the gametime that I needed. It started off looking really positive but unfortunately I had a few problems with my hips and a few issues I had to get sorted out. It wasn’t a quick fix, I had to be patient with it. “That’s when I had to become very mentally strong and accept the place that I was in. I did want to play a lot more games. I think I played 49 games or something in three seasons, which is nowhere near the amount that I wanted to play, I wanted to play a lot more, but that’s what it was. I’ve learnt from it and I certainly don’t regret my time at Hull. I loved it. Now I’m looking to really kick on that’s why I’m here.” Capped for Scotland, Stephen believes linking up with Robbie Neilson’s side is the “perfect fit”. With games aplenty on the horizon, he’s keen to get back out on the pitch and help the Jambos get back to where they should be. “Hearts a massive club,” he said. “The gaffer phoned me a few months ago and told me his plans to get me in and give me the gametime that I’ve been craving. For the last couple of months I’ve been seeing what options are out there and for me, at this moment in time, I feel like it’s a perfect fit. My wife and I have just had a baby as well so it really just fitted everything that I needed for this time and that’s why I’m here. I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get going. “There is a point to prove. That’s what the gaffer mentioned to me when I came. I came to the Oriam to have a look around and have a chat, he told me what his plan was and the way he wanted the path to go in getting back up to where they should be. It’s really exciting. I need that game time so I’m looking forward to getting that and also if we do as well as we should then hopefully it’s a successful season. “It’s been a bit of a crazy year for everyone. Having the semi-final to look forward to as soon as I’ve come in, and the league starts soon, is amazing. That’s why I’m forward to it so much, because it’s going to be coming round thick and fast. That big game coming up, it’ll be amazing to experience that and be involved in that game. I’m really looking forward to it. “I’ve been in and around first team football for ten years. I’m in a good position where I’m still young, Im 26, and I’ve got a long road ahead of me, hopefully. If I can get the game time here then brilliant, I’m back on track.”