Hearts new signing Kyle Lafferty has said he is in no doubt he has joined Edinburgh's biggest club, and the third biggest team in the country.

The Northern Ireland striker became Ian Cathro's latest signing on Wednesday but only after failing to appear for talks at rivals Hibernian.

Having snubbed discussions with Hibs manager Neil Lennon, he then stoked up the rivalry between the sides by saying it wasn't a difficult choice to opt for the Tynecastle side.

"I've joined the biggest team in Edinburgh and the third biggest team in Scotland," he said.

"It was an easy decision for me to come here after hearing what the manager said and what he wants me to do and where he wants the team to go.

"They matched my expectations as well and it's going to be an exciting season. I actually can't wait to get started."

Player representative Keith Gillespie criticised Lafferty for being disrespectful to Hibs by failing to show up for planned talks but the player himself said that he was doing the right thing in regards to Hearts after days of negotiation and discussion.

The striker joked that Hearts chairwoman Ann Budge had refused to let him leave the stadium without signing for the club.

"I was at Hearts from Friday," he said. "[We talked again] on Monday and Tuesday and obviously got the deal done yesterday with my agent.

"I think it would be disrespectful to Hearts to negotiate for four days and then go across the city and speak to Hibs where I could probably say my heart didn't want to be there.

"I showed Hearts respect to stay and obviously Ann wouldn't let me out the office door, to be honest.

"She locked me in there with a cup of tea and the only way out was through the window. I didn't fancy jumping three stories.

"Keith can come out and say whatever he wants but I've come here with my actual agent and we spoke for four days solid.

"It was well worth it and I'm now a Hearts player so everyone's happy."