Neil Critchley answers Hearts transfer question as Sander Kartum highlights his road to Tynecastle

Sander Kartum has vowed to bring creative fight to Hearts after opting for a fresh adventure in Scotland.

The midfielder sealed a permanent switch from SK Brann to become boss Neil Critchley’s fourth capture of the window. Kartum is excited about the challenge having spent an entire career so far in his homeland. At the age of 29, he’s ready to branch out and wants to show his key traits into the SPFL having faced St Mirren in this term’s Europa Conference League.

Kartum said: “I heard it was a big club with a lot of history. There are amazing fans too, so the opportunity to play here was big. I looked for the opportunity to play outside of Norway and I just decided that this is something I have to do. I feel every club I’ve been to has been a new challenge. I have grown a lot as a person and a player. From starting at Stjordals-Blink to finally being here, it’s just been big steps. I’ve been through a lot and I’m up for it.

“I like to be creative and score goals. I feel like the important thing is to fight for the team. When we played St Mirren, it was quite an experience on the football side. Tynecastle is a very big stadium. I heard a lot of good things about it with the fans and the atmosphere so I’m looking forward to getting my first playing minutes.”

Kartum penned a two-and-a-half-year deal to join defenders Michael Steinwender and Jamie McCart as well as hitman Elton Kabangu on the incoming list. Critchley is delighted with his dealings at this stage and said: “It’s been a really positive transfer window so far. Players we’ve been tracking for a while.

“Sander will give us some balance at the top end of the pitch, real attacking creativity. Can score a goal, can create a goal, connect the game together for us,