Australian midfielder Oliver Bozanic signs two-year deal at Hearts

Hearts have completed the signing of Australian midfielder Oliver Bozanic, subject to international clearance.

The 29-year-old joins the Jambos on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at Australian A-League side Melbourne City.

Capped seven times for Australia, Oliver’s penned a two-year deal that will keep him at Tynecastle until 2020.

He was part of the Socceroos’ 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil and made two appearances in the group stage; playing in the same side as former Hearts ace Ryan McGowan in a narrow 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands, and in a 3-0 loss at the hands of then-reigning champions Spain.

The central midfielder boasts European league experience as well as playing time on the international stage.

He started his professional career in his homeland with Central Coast Mariners before moving to England to sign for Reading in 2007.

Loan spells at Woking, Cheltenham Town and Aldershot Town followed before heading back down under to rejoin the Mariners three-years later.

It was at the New South Wales club that Oliver tasted silverware, winning the 2011/12 A-League Premiership, then the 2012/13 A-League Championship; Australia’s grand final.

In 2013 he moved to Swiss Super League side Luzern, where he made 58 appearances over two years and gained Europa League experience.

A further two seasons at A-League side Melbourne Victory followed, before a spell in Japan’s top flight with Ventforet Kofu.

He returned to Australia in February of this year, signing a short-term deal with Melbourne City until the end of the season.