Blair Spittal's age requires double-checking. No matter the number of times you have looked at his Wikipedia or Transfermarkt page it's difficult to grasp that he's 28. He looks like he could still be in his teens. It seemed only yesterday he was the 18-year-old who Dundee United signed on a three-year deal from Queen's Park.

Yet, here he is, 422 appearances in Scottish football under his belt and automatically one of the more experienced members of the Heart of Midlothian squad having arrived in the summer following two successful seasons at Motherwell. In fact, Craig Gordon is the only player to have played more games in Scotland.

Spittal has joined the club after what was the season of his life - an assertion the player agreed with. Only four players had more goal contributions in the Premiership last campaign. Matt O'Riley, James Tavernier, former Motherwell team-mate Theo Bair and, of course, Lawrence Shankland.

Have Hearts signed a player who is now entering his prime?

"Potentially," he said. "I feel ready now to make that step. It is no secret it is a massive club I am joining with big expectations. I had a good couple of years back in the [top] league and will look to build on it this year and beyond.

"Coming in I want to establish myself first and foremost, try to get in the team. It's a team that are used to winning last year. It will be a tough job at first but hopefully when I get my chance I take it. 

"I think the last two have been good in terms of consistency of performance, last year I had a number of goals and assists. The position I play in that's what you are judged on.

"It's been the most productive in terms of numbers, complemented by the players I played with as well. Big Theo had a great season as well, he was big for us. I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was a really good season."

Referring back to Transfermarkt, it paints an accurate representation of the player's versatility. On Football Manager he would be a hugely attractive proposition. But over the past two seasons, he has been able to thrive in a more central role at Fir Park.

The positions Spittal has played during his career. (Image: Transfermarkt)

Last season saw Stuart Kettlewell utilise him as one of two No.10s behind Bair, spearheading the Steelmen's attack. 

"I think the responsibility definitely helped," Spittal said. "There was fluidity in the position I played in, the manager gave us that freedom, it allowed the two advanced midfielders to go and find the ball. As soon as we got our heads up the boys would make runs and we would try to pick them out.

"It was thoroughly enjoyable and it was a challenge the manager put toward us having lost Kev [van Veen] when he went to Groningen. It was a big chunk of goals we lost so there was a lot of onus on boys to try and chip in. Thankfully we managed to do that.

"Over the last few seasons, I have become more central. Being quite versatile I've played a number of positions but the last couple of seasons it has been in the middle of the park I've played.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed that, to go and find the ball. When you play wide sometimes the ball isn't on your side of the park and it can be quite frustrating. I've definitely enjoyed the position I have played."

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Now the focus is on making a name for himself at Hearts with the understanding that he will be going from being a key player at Fir Park to facing stiff competition for a regular spot in Steven Naismith's starting XI.

Spittal admitted the competition is something that he not only expected but one which acts as a driver. It is one of the aspects that attracted him to the club, the biggest he has played for in his career.

"As soon as I heard that Hearts were interested and then spoke to the manager, had a lengthy conversation with him and what his plans were for it," he said of being sold on the move.

"I knew as soon as I spoke to him I wanted to come here. I know it is a massive club. I have played for some good clubs in my career but this is definitely the biggest. I just feel I am ready for this step.

"The competition for places is there. I expected that coming in. I'm coming into a team that is used to winning last year. It's all about making sure I come in and establish myself. When I do get the opportunity I have got to try and take it and hope for the best."

There is one area where Spittal certainly stands out: His threat from outside of the box. Last season saw him hit nine goals in the league from midfield. He could have had his own goal of the season competition.

It is a quality that will help against defences that are happy to sit deep and sit off Hearts.

(Image: SNS)

"Sometimes when your luck's in, your luck's in," he modestly said. "It was something we will have to deal with, the manager stressed that a number of times last season, a lot of teams coming to Tynecastle to try and frustrate the team.

"It was definitely an aim when I was at Motherwell, to try and frustrate. It is good to have that ability and we have a number of players in the squad who can do that. If the chance arises I will definitely take a pop that's for sure."

Spittal has integrated very quickly into the Hearts squad having played against the majority of the team several times and been a former team-mate of fellow new boy James Penrice. There is also the experience of moving clubs during his career.

While he has not had to do an initiation song, he has been partnered with Frankie Kent for the challenge that has been running across the week of the training camp, getting to know the Englishman very well.

"It's been good," he said of the week-long training camp. "It's been tough but enjoyable at the same time. Gone are the days when you are just running all the time in pre-season but the manager has made sure we've got plenty of work in to be ready for these games coming in.

"When I was younger I was a wee bit nervous but the older you get it is a lot easier to settle into changing rooms than you think. Everyone kind of prepares you as if it is the first day at school again but it's alright and helps having known a few of the boys just from playing against them.

"I played with Penners at Thistle so there is already a friendly face there you know. The easing in process has been fairly straightforward so far. It's been good."

Don't let the baby face fool you, Hearts have recruited an experienced operator who will be a valuable addition.