Tynecastle manager makes Ryan Stevenson his first signing

JIM Jefferies last night made his first signing as Hearts manager in the shape of Ayr United midfielder Ryan Stevenson.

The Tynecastle manager faced competition from St Mirren and St Johnstone to snap up the 25-year-old. Stevenson, who was going to be out of contract in the summer, arrives at Tynecastle for an undisclosed fee, with Australian midfielder Rocky Visconte going out on loan to Ayr until the end of the season.

"He's a lad who we've seen a bit of," Jefferies told the Hearts website. "He played against us a couple of time in a cup-tie with Kilmarnock last year. He's certainly got the presence to play in the Premier League. He's more of a forward-thinking player. I've always felt he could make the step up."

Jefferies added: "We've had to beat off a number of Premier League clubs to get his services. He's got the potential to go and do well. It is up to him to make it hard for the others and them likewise. The midfield players are all capable of working hard, closing people down but I feel he's got the instinct to support the front people.

"He packs a good strike, physical strength and he has got good skill."

Stevenson's career began at Chelsea and Billy Stark lured him to McDiarmid Park before he was released by St Johnstone three years ago. But Stevenson got his career back on track by helping Ayr into the First Division and has been watched by several clubs recently.

Meanwhile, Hearts youngster Stephen Husband has joined Blackpool for an undisclosed fee.

Paul Hegarty has been confirmed as Dundee United first-team coach until the end of the season.

Tannadice legend Hegarty, who had a brief spell as manager there between October 2002 and January 2003, had been out of work since George Burley was sacked from the Scotland job in November. He held talks with manager Peter Houston yesterday and his appointment was confirmed in the afternoon.