Former Rangers star Peter Lovenkrands sold me on Hearts move, reveals new signing Mike Tullberg

MIKE TULLBERG insists he didn't need to think twice about swapping Serie A for the SPL - because he's already seen two great Danes succeed in Scotland.

The striker was sold on a move to Hearts after a brief chat with former Rangers winger Peter Lovenkrands, who shares the same agent.

Memories of Brian Laudrup weaving his magic for Rangers in the 1990s also persuaded Tullberg, 22, to try his luck at Tynecastle.

Tullberg said: "Peter Lovenkrands and I have the same agent, Ivan Benes, so we talked a little about Hearts.

"I've followed the Scottish game since I was a kid. Rangers matches were regularly shown on TV in Denmark when Laudrup was at Rangers and I know there are three big clubs - Celtic, Rangers and Hearts.

"Lovenkrands, Laudrup and Henrik Larsson all proved Scandinavians can be successful in Scotland and I want to do the same.

"I've joined Hearts on a one-year loan but I'm hoping to do enough to win a longer deal.

"As soon as I knew Hearts were interested I didn't want to go anywhere else. They were my No. 1 choice."

Tullberg, who made only five appearances for Reggina after joining the Italians from Aarhus last season, admits Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo persuaded him his future lay in Gorgie - as well as the club's loyal supporters.

He said: "The manager knew everything about me and he is a nice person and a good coach who will improve my game.

"I saw Hearts' two pre-season games in Germany and their opening SPL match against Motherwell and I was impressed.

"The team played well and I was amazed by the fans too. The atmosphere at Tynecastle was incredible and the Scottish people love football as much as the players on the pitch.

"All clubs have expectations and our first goal is to make the top six - then we'll set a new target.

"I have heard something about the No.9 shirt at Hearts but I don't feel I'm under any extra pressure. John Robertson was a big player for Hearts but I'm not about to compare myself with him. He did so much for the club."

Meanwhile, Laszlo has invited Hungary international Janos Balogh to spend the rest of the week with the club as he steps up his search for a new keeper.

Laszlo is keen to ease the workload of current No.1 Steve Banks, who also coaches the keepers at the club following the departure of Jim Stewart to Rangers.

He said: "Steve Banks is good but the other keepers we have are perhaps not ready yet.

"We have a few ideas and hopefully a decision will be made in two or three days."

Taken from the Daily Record