BLACK’S LIVING HIS DREAM

The midfielder was a ballboy at Tynecastle as a youngster and jumped at the chance to sign a pre-contract agreement back in December.

The 24-year-old quit relegated Inverness Caley Thistle at the end of last season, and the waiting was finally over when he reported for his first day at his new club yesterday.

“I grew up watching the likes of John Robertson and Gary Mackay here when I was younger,” he said.

“It’s really exciting. I used to look on and think, ‘I’d love that to be me’. I’ve worked hard and I’m starting to get the rewards now. But this is just the start of it and I’ve got a lot further to go.”

The move to Hearts also sees him continue a family tradition after his father – also Ian – spent three years at Tynecastle.

“It’s a funny one,” said Black. “He has told me to knuckle down, work hard and enjoy it.”