Nathaniel Atkinson looks to earn Hearts cup hero status at Hampden after Australia success

Nathaniel Atkinson was a cup final hero Down Under and he’s already told his fellow Jambos he could be a Hampden lucky charm.

The Hearts wingback stole the show in his homeland when he scored and picked up the man of the match award in Melbourne City’s 3-1 A-League Grand Final win against Sydney last June.

The 22-year-old is out for a repeat in the Scottish Cup Final when the Gorgie men square up with Rangers in three weeks – and cap an incredible 12 months for the kid.

Atkinson was struggling for injury in the build up to the Aussie showpiece but returned to make a major impression.

He kicked on to compete in the Olympics for Oz and earn his first call up to the senior Socceroos.

Atkinson is keeping the dream going having sealed his switch to Scotland and he’s dreaming of securing his place in Hearts Hampden folklore.

He said: “I’ve had a joke with a few of the boys that I’m known for scoring in the Grand Final.

“It would be nice to score a goal, but the main thing is getting the win.

“Anything is possible and it would be a bit of a cherry on top to score a goal.

“But we have to get there first and see what happens.

“If you were to have said to me 18 months ago I would be here right now I would probably have laughed at you.

“But football moves quickly and everything happens for a reason.

“If you work hard, you get performances and you get these types of opportunities.

“I’m nothing but grateful and blessed at the moment.”

Atkinson’s focus is on the Jambos but he admitted the thrilling end to the season could be a major boost to his international hopes with World Cup play-offs on the horizon.

The wide man admitted this year has left his head spinning but he’s determined to keep the good times coming.

Atkinson said: