Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan has joined Hearts after signing a one-year contract with the Scottish Premiership side.

The 35-year-old was a free agent after leaving Aston Villa following their promotion to the Premier League.

Whelan played 36 times for Villa last season and has been brought back into the Ireland fold by manager Mick McCarthy, most recently playing 90 minutes in the Euro 2020 qualifier away to Denmark.

He had spent 16 years in England with spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Manchester City.

“I’m delighted now,” the Dubliner told HeartsTV.

“Just want to get the head down and get stuck into things.

“I’ve managed to train for the last couple of days with the lads, got the meet-and-greet out of the way. But I’m delighted to get everything sorted out now.

“The manager has been crucial to getting me up here, to be honest. He’s shown a lot of ambition in where he wants the club to go. I came up and trained with the lads for a couple of days last week and I was really impressed. I’m up here now and I’m ready to go to dig in and get some results.

“I’ve been successful throughout my career and this year I’m here now and I’m trying to achieve something as well. The manager’s spoken about trying to get into Europe and pushing on as high as we can.

“I’m not just up here to enjoy myself, I’m here to achieve something. I’m looking to do that with Hearts, a massive club in Scotland and in the Scottish Premiership.

“Everywhere I’ve went and throughout my career I’ve always achieved what I’ve wanted. Like I said, I’m not up here for a jolly up or a holiday, I’m up here to improve players, if I can, and to win games.”

✍️ Hearts have today completed the signing of Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan, subject to international clearance

➡️ https://t.co/SkkNoGi2sT pic.twitter.com/l7CBWffhmd

— Heart of Midlothian (@JamTarts) August 14, 2019

The Jambos also signed goalkeeper Joel Pereira on loan from Manchester United yesterday.