Hearts: Fired-up Kevin Kyle not looking for armband

NEW Hearts striker Kevin Kyle said today that his passion and leadership qualities will be evident to supporters every time he pulls on the maroon shirt.

• Kevin Kyle expects Hearts to challenge for European football next season. Picture: Ian Rutherford

While stressing he has no intention of challenging for the captaincy, the 29-year-old said he is eager to begin a new chapter of his career after leaving Kilmarnock to sign a two-year contract at Tynecastle.

He was appointed captain at Rugby Park by Jim Jefferies but has no desire to fulfil that role with Hearts after Michael Stewart vacated the armband.

He explained that raw emotion is part of his game and contributes heavily to a win-at-all-costs attitude which he hopes will serve him well in Edinburgh.

"I'm not here long enough to be a captain. They have suitable candidates already here," opined Kyle. "I'll always be vocal, though. The fans will always hear me screaming and shouting, that's just the way I am and I'll never change. It's just because I'm a winner. I really want to win every time and I hate losing – my girlfriend will tell you that."

Kyle explained that, with other new recruits expected to arrive to complement himself and defender Darren Barr, Hearts can be expected to challenge for the Europa League next season.

"I would like to think we will challenge for European football with the squad we have," he continued. "The manager has other players he wants to bring in so we should be challenging. Anything less than that would be second best. Consistency goes a long way in the SPL.

"Too often you win a game, lose a game, win again then lose again. That's not great, you want to win four games then maybe lose one. I believe it's all about consistency and believing you can be where you want to be."