Hearts complete signing of winger Jordan Roberts after he leaves Ipswich Town

Hearts have completed the signing of former Ipswich Town winger Jordan Roberts on a two-year contract.

The 26-year-old trained at Riccarton this morning before putting pen to paper to become manager Robbie Neilson’s second summer signing after goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

He arrives as a free agent to add pace in wide areas as Neilson prepares Hearts for a Championship promotion tilt.

Gillingham, Salford City, Doncaster Rovers and Scunthorpe United were all keen to capture Roberts’ signature, but he chose a return to Scotland having played for Inverness during the 2015/16 campaign.

“I’m delighted to get Jordan’s deal over the line,” Neilson told the Hearts website. “He’s got a great CV with plenty of experience in England and he’s played in Scotland too, which is a bonus.

“He’s a pacey winger, very direct and athletic so I’m sure he will fit into the system that we want to play. I’m looking forward to working with him and I’m confident he’ll be a great addition to the squad.”

Roberts, an England Under-23 internationalist, left Ipswich in May when his contract was not renewed. He previously played for Aldershot, Inverness and Crawley Town and spent last season on loan at Gillingham.

At 6ft 1ins tall, he is a quick left-sided winger who also carries a physical presence. He attacks opponents and can go inside or outside in order to eliminate a defender.

He explained why he chose to continue his career at Tynecastle. “I’m over the moon to finally get it done. I was in today and saw some of the boys, met the manager and some of the staff and I’m delighted to be here at such a big club,” he said.

“It’s an opportunity for me to go out there and play again. I’ve seen Ann [Budge] and spoken to her and the direction the club wants to go in is perfect for me and a perfect opportunity.

“For me it was a no brainer to come down here and see the stadium, the history behind the club and the direction the manager wants to go in.

"I think it was a big statement from him to come to Hearts after getting Dundee United promoted. It shows the intent in where he wants to go and for me that was a selling point, along with everything else that played a part in it as well.

“I played at Tynecastle when I was at Inverness and it was, I wouldn’t say daunting but it can swallow people whole. You want to play in front of big crowds at nice stadiums and even the training facilities are top drawer.

“That’s what it’s about as a player and another selling point that attracts players and makes you want come to a club like Hearts.”

Neilson wants to add quick and creative wide players to his team, plus a dominant central midfielder, as Hearts prepare for the Championship campaign.

Former Motherwell winger Elliott Frear is also training at Riccarton and that arrangement is expected to continue.

Hearts have also looked at former Hull City left-back Stephen Kingsley but a deal for the Scotland internationalist looks unlikely at this stage.

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