Uganda Cranes forward Rogers Mato made his debut for Hearts on Saturday night, coming on as a late substitute in their dominant 3-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice Park.
The league leaders were already cruising at 3-0 when Mato entered the game in the 81st minute.
The 22-year-old was signed earlier in the week on loan first until the end of the season from North Macedonian side Vardar before he joins permanently on a three year contract as free agent after the expiration of his contract with Vardar in July.
Head coach Derek McInnes has spoken highly of him, describing him as an important addition for the title push.
Hearts took control early in the match, with Pierre Kabore scoring in the 11th minute to give them a deserved lead.
Things got worse for Dundee United in the 24th minute when Amar Fatah was shown a red card, leaving the hosts with 10 men.
Hearts took advantage, and a penalty in the 29th minute, converted by Alexandros Kyziridis, made it 2-0.
The visitors went into halftime with a two-goal lead and a man advantage, and they continued to dominate after the break.
Dundee United’s troubles worsened when Panutche Camara was sent off in the 75th minute, leaving them with just nine players.
Hearts wasted no time in making their numerical advantage count, with Kabore scoring his second goal in the 81st minute.
Just moments later, Mato came on for Kyziridis to make his first appearance for the club.
Though Hearts had more chances to add to their tally, they were content with a 3-0 win that further solidified their position at the top of the table.
With 54 points from 24 matches, Hearts remain seven points ahead of second-place Rangers, who have 47 points but a game in hand.
They visit fifth placed Hibernian on Sunday where Mato’s compatriot Jordan Obita plies his trade
Defending champions Celtic, in third place with 45 points, will also be in action on Sunday, hosting sixth placed Falkirk.
Next up for Mato and Hearts is another away trip to St. Mirren on Tuesday, where the forward will be hoping for more minutes as he continues to settle into the team.
