Shay Logan reveals Kardashians jealousy and banter with Hearts fan as he plays for permanent deal at Tynecastle

It took Shay Logan seconds to decide he would join Hearts on loan from Aberdeen. In his first press conference, he declared a determination to win a permanent deal at Tynecastle Park. This lad doesn’t mess about.

Which is probably why he appealed to Robbie Neilson as an experienced, vocal and decisive campaigner; one who can add some much-needed leadership to the squad at Riccarton.

Logan is both out of favour at Aberdeen and out of contract this summer. He is set for a debut against Dunfermline at East End Park this weekend and the first step on his crusade to stay with Hearts into next season.

“I'm out of contract at Aberdeen in the summer. I'm only 33 and I feel like I've had a year off,” said the right-back. “I've not played and I'm eager to go. I can't wait so, for me, it is about earning a contract at such a big club. Hearts is a very big club.

Shay Logan is uneveiled as a Hearts player after signing on loan from Aberdeen.

“It was a quick decision to come here. I first found out about it on Sunday and I was here on Monday. Through no fault of my own, I wasn't getting game time at Aberdeen. It was made clear to me that I wasn't going to be getting game time. When the call came I was over the moon to come to Hearts.

“I did have clubs coming to me and asking me but I didn't feel it was the right fit. I felt I could stay at Aberdeen and keep fit but when Hearts came it was a no-brainer. I was absolutely all for it and couldn't wait to get started.

Just felt right

“My first game for Aberdeen was at Tynecastle. It wasn't against Hearts but it's a great stadium even though we don't have fans in at the minute. With the position they are in, I don't think we should kid ourselves. Hearts are a Premiership club.

“It just felt right. It's not actually too far from Aberdeen. I drive to Manchester a lot to see the kids so this was a breeze.”

Neilson left Logan in no doubt that Hearts needed his decisiveness after harrowing defeats against Brora Rangers and Queen of the South.

“The manager said: 'We need a strong character in the changing-room and a good player. I've seen you play many times and I've got a few people who have given me glowing references,’” explained Logan.

“He knows what I can bring to a club so he just said: 'Come in and help us get over that line.' I was all for it.”

One fan in particular will recall seeing him play. “I remember the last time I played at Tynecastle, I think I was taking a throw-in and I was getting some abuse off one of the fans,” said Logan.

“I was going to Manchester afterwards and I was walking to the train station and I saw the same fan. We laughed at it, it’s what happens on the pitch. He wants his team to win and I want my team to win.

Little swearword

“When I was taking the throw-in we actually looked at each other so I knew what he was wearing and it was just so funny that we bumped into each other.

“He said a little swearword to me but he said it jokingly. I think we won that game so I let him know the score and that was it. We went on our way. I just want the fans to know I’m 100 per cent into this and I’ll give 100 per cent every time I play on the pitch.”

There is plenty chat from Logan about important issues but he also enjoys the light-hearted side of football. His conversations with former Aberdeen team-mate Gary Mackay-Steven this week are a case in point.

“GMS was at Aberdeen with me and he is such a funny lad. I’ve got a lot of time for him, he’s always smiling,” explained the Englishman. “I’m sure I’ll get to know the others, I’m someone who likes to talk and interact with people and I’ll be telling jokes before you know it.

“I didn’t speak to GMS about the move because it all happened so quickly. I spoke to Robbie on the Sunday, Aberdeen on the Monday and I came down to Hearts on the Monday as well.

Meeting the Kardashians

“When I signed he sent me a message saying: ‘Get in there lad, welcome.’ I was in the gym with him the other day and we were talking about his time in the US and did he meet any famous people and stuff.

“He told me he met the Kardashians so I was a bit jealous. I’ve got a lot of time for him, he is such a funny person. He doesn’t speak much but what he does say is very funny.”

On the pitch, Logan is a serious customer. Hearts are just two wins from winning the Championship and completing their Premiership return, but the new arrival doesn’t intend to go overboard because he hasn’t contributed to a large part of the season.

He is fit and ready to go at Dunfermline despite featuring only sporadically for Aberdeen this term. “I’ve not played but I’ve trained every single day,” he said.

“It gets to the point that you just want to play, no matter about how much money you pick up or whatever, I just want to play football and that’s what I’m hoping to do at Hearts.”

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