Michael Steinwender says he was sold on a move to Hearts by former Jambos hero Peter Haring after signing a three-and-a-half year deal in Gorgie.
The Austrian centre back has become Neil Critchley’s third January signing after a six-figure switch from Swedish side IFK Varnamo. And Steinwender admits he’s had goosebumps just thinking about his first taste of action at Tynecastle after speaking to fellow Austrian Haring who spent six seasons in Gorgie before leaving last summer.
The 24-year-old’s debut could arrive as early as Saturday when Kilmarnock come calling in the Premiership – should international clearance arrive in time. Steinwender, who also sought advice from former Hartberg team mate Donis Avdijaj, said: “I know Donis and Peter Haring also played here. I had a chat with them and they only said good things about the club. When I heard about the fans and the crowd I was very excited to come here.
“I almost got goosebumps. The stadium is impressive and at the Oriam training ground they have everything. My old club was not like that. I am very happy to be here and can’t wait to start. I think Scottish football, I won’t say it’s like the Premier League, but it’s physical and fast and going into defensive duels. That’s what I like.”
Critchley was delighted to add to his defensive options after losing Australia international Kye Rowles to DC United for £600,000 last week. Former St Johnstone stopper Jamie McCart has already been signed from Rotherham. But with Frankie Kent injured Steinwender’s arrival is suitably timed and comes after the pacy defender was flagged up by the Jamestown Analytics data tool.
The 6ft 3in former Austria U19 international broke through in his homeland with Mattersburg before moving on to spells at St Polten and Hartberg. Last year he joined IFK Varnamo and in November helped the Swedish side stave-off relegation from the top flight via the play-offs.
Steinwender said: “I like to defend, to head, to talk a lot with my team mates and help everybody. Playing in the first league in Austria was my dream. I played there for five years then I made the step abroad to Sweden because I always wanted to try something abroad. I did really well and it gave me a lot of experience. I had hard times and good times so I know how to deal with different situations.”