Alan Forrest exclusive: New Hearts signing winger outlines goals for the season after flying start

Forrest was one of the first new signings to take on the initiation ceremony ritual in front of his teammates in Spain. He scored twice on his debut against FC Europa on the same trip and then bagged another goal a few minutes after coming off the bench in the 62nd minute in the 7-0 demolition of East Fife on Tuesday. It’s been a quick and productive start to life at Hearts for the 25-year-old livewire forward, who is already feeling at home.

Erasure’s 1988 hit A Little Respect was the tune he belted out in front of the squad in Spain. Not that he needs respect from players who have faced him in Scotland’s top flight over the past two years and know all about the electric qualities he possesses. Nevertheless, Forrest was happy enough to break the ice on his first night in Malaga.

“I thought I was getting away with it and then I heard the tap of the glass and knew I had to sing that night,” he told the Edinburgh Evening News. “I suppose it was good getting it done and getting it out the way. It went down well. There were a few other boys who were really good as well. It was a good laugh for everyone as well.

“The lads have all been very welcoming. It was good that we all went away to Spain for a week right at the start, which gave me a chance to get to know everybody a bit better. Everybody has been really good with me.

“I played with a couple of the lads at Livingston, but I didn’t really know many of the Hearts squad that well. But since I’ve come in I can see we have a good bunch and a good dressing room. It has been easy for me to fit in.”

With three goals in two pre-season games already, Forrest is quickly fitting in on the pitch as well as off it. He is feeling sharp and has done enough already to suggest that he