"Gracias por el apoyo y por confiar en mi".

Not long after netting his first ever goal for Heart of Midlothian, Kenneth Vargas posted a message on his Instagram account. Displaying his ever-improving English, the Costa Rican provided a translation. "Thank you for the support and for trusting me".

The message will have been for the Hearts support, his team-mates and coaching staff. In his own words, he has been "desperate" to get on the scoresheet. Speaking to a publication in his homeland last month he revealed how not scoring was "taking a toll" and of being "so anxious". He had 11 shots in the league and Europe combined prior to Wednesday night, the closest he had come to scoring was a long distance strike off the woodwork against Aberdeen. Therefore the sheer delight in not only scoring his first goal for the club but an important winning goal over Livingston was understandable as it was evident.

READ MORE: Hearts 1-0 Livingston instant analysis: Vital goal, key sub, possible transfer target

Despite being wiped out while converting Jorge Grant's pinpoint cross deep into the second half, he sprinted towards the corner of the Gorgie Stand and Main Stand before performing a knee slide. He would eventually be met by every single outfield player, wanting to congratulate the 21-year-old. There was even time for a Thor-inspired celebration for a loved one back home. As he retreated to his half, he made eye contact with a beaming Steven Naismith, the Hearts head coach gave him a thumbs up. Gordon Paterson, the well-liked Hearts kit man, even came out of the dugout to send the most enthusiastic of thumbs up in the forward's direction.

If there was one player the home crowd wanted to score, it was Vargas. It was likely the same with his team-mates. He may only have played a handful of games since his loan move from Herediano but he has already won the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the club's support. He has done so through a positive attitude, a strong personality, a selfless approach on the field with hard work and plenty of endeavour. It was there to see in the recent loss to Celtic in Gorgie. Vargas stood up and showed he was unwilling to go down without a fight, happy to engage with Cameron Carter-Vickers, including a thunderous tackle in the opening quarter.

A loan signing of a young forward from a team in Central America, the general expectation would have been of an exciting but mercurial talent who would need time to get used to the rough and tumble of the Scottish Premiership. Not for Vargas. Work rate should be the bare minimum for every footballer. It isn't. For Vargas it most certainly is. Naismith, who had admitted he has played him more than he would have liked, no doubt sees a bit of himself in the forward, that tenacity and desire. It's why Hearts fans have taken to him so quickly and have been so eager for him to break his duck, especially after he hit two goals on the recent international break with Costa Rica's Under-23s. 

Back home, where he is known affectionately as 'Little Egg', he is just as highly thought of. He has already made his debut for the national team, following in the footsteps of his father. A report following the country's Under-23s' two meetings with Colombia last month said it is "clear that there are two players who seem to be ready to make the leap to the majors. These are Brandon Aguilera and Kenneth Vargas".

Vargas, who has 'pura vida' (good life) tattooed on his neck, is determined, ambitious and hungry. He was really keen to test himself in Europe. Hearts had been aware of his talent for more than a year and even before a move to Scotland's capital materialised he was already taking English lessons which he has continued with since arriving. It is clear from his attitude that this is a player who is going to make sure he has left every bit of effort on the field to ensure he succeeds at Hearts, in his chance to make it in European football.

READ MORE: Steven Naismith Q&A: Hearts patience and Kenneth Vargas impact

The loan deal provided protection on both sides. How would he adapt to Scottish football? How would he settle? So far it has been very positive and Hearts have the option to make the deal permanent. A decision which is increasingly looking straightforward. 

"I found a good city, an excellent work team, all the colleagues, even the staff," Vargas told Teletica. "At the club they have treated me like one of the family." At this time of year back home temperatures are mid-to-high 20s. Yet, he recently said he was getting used to the cold weather in Scotland already, while he is a hugely popular personality in the dressing room, keen to be involved as much as possible.

The winning goal against Livingston should liberate him and be the start of things for Vargas in maroon as he looks to live the good life at Heart of Midlothian.