Santana sure he can cope with SPL pace at Hearts

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 09:58

HEARTS new boy Suso Santana said today he won't take long to settle into the ferocious pace and tough tackling of the SPL.

The Spaniard signed a three-year deal yesterday to become Csaba Laszlo's second arrival for the 2009/10 campaign, following hot on the heels of Inverness midfielder Ian Black.

The 24-year-old Santana joined the Tynecastle club from Tenerife but spent last season on loan to UD Fuerteventura where he scored nine goals.

The right-sided midfielder says he's already in good condition and can't wait to make an impression in Scotland. "I am in good shape at the moment. That is what pre-season is for, to train, play games and prepare well for the season ahead.

"I am very happy to be here, I like to take on players one against one and provide the final pass into the box. I am a quick player and an aggressive player.

"Everyone likes to score goals and I am like everyone. I scored nine goals last season at Fuerteventura.

"In the Spanish Second Division there is a similarity with the physicality and I will have to get used to that straight away in Scotland."

And the Spaniard is relishing the prospect of being involved in Hearts' Europa League campaign, which kicks off in August.

He added: "It is very exciting to be involved in this sort of competition.

"I want to work hard and try to put my grain of sand in the club and help them to do as well as possible."