Perry Kitchen has found success at Hearts since leaving D.C. United in March. Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

United States international Perry Kitchen has been named the club captain of Scottish club Hearts for this season.

Kitchen only joined Hearts in March after spending the first five years of his career with D.C. United in MLS, and coach Robbie Neilson said the midfielder has been a natural leader.

"I've been impressed by Perry's attitude, desire and, of course, his performances from day one," Neilson told the club's website.

"He's a natural and leads by example both on and off the park. He's also a really good player and will inspire those around him to reach the highest standards.

"Ideally, we want 11 captains on the pitch every week. In recent times we've had Don Cowie lead the team out and Alim Ozturk skippered us to third place last season, so there's that experience already there that will help us through games.

"I'd like to thank Alim for the huge part he played, and will continue to play, in helping the team to the top end of the league.

"It's now Perry's time to take over that responsibility and I've absolutely no doubt that he will flourish in the role of Hearts captain."

The 24-year-old has made four appearances for Jurgen Klinsmann's United States team since 2015 and made the Copa America squad this past summer.