Sander Kartum became one of the early ‘Jamestown era’ Hearts signings in January.
The Jambos struck a partnership with Jamestown Analytics which allows them to use the data firm’s algorithms in player recruitment, among other areas.
Five January signings followed, with Norwegian midfielder Kartum joined by Elton Kabangu, Jamie McCart, Michael Steinwender and Harry Milne.
Other than Milne who arrived on deadline day, Kartum is the only one to not have featured yet as manager Neil Critchley explained he and Steinwender needed to go through a mini pre-season before being fully ready.
The 29-year-old hasn’t been named in matchday squad yet as he builds his fitness up but could come into contention for the Scottish Cup tie against St Mirren tomorrow evening.
Kartum explains Hearts motivation
Kartum featured against St Mirren earlier this season, for former club Brann in Conference League qualifying.
Football throws up funny quirks and he will now be back in Paisley as a Hearts player.
Previewing the game, he explained he much he enjoyed going up against the Buddies but that wasn’t the biggest factor in his decision to come to Scotland.
He explained: “It was a tough team, quite direct and a lot of duels. But I liked the atmosphere, when I played in St Mirren away, it was on the crowds and stuff, it was good. I thought about the game, but that was not the most important thing when I was taking my decision.
“It’s a big club with amazing fans and it’s a chance for me to play outside of Norway.
“So I’m looking forward to it. I want to get out of my comfort zone and try something new and when the chance came I had to take it.
“I feel like it’s happened naturally, like taking steps in each club I have been to. When the opportunity came to go to Hearts, it was a big move for me, so I had to try it.
“First of all, it’s the club and then the other factors, like I said, the city and the match was perfect. A big club and a big city.”
What Neil Critchley told Kartum during Hearts signing talks
Kartum held talks with Critchley ahead of signing for the Jambos, with the manager explaining how he wanted to use him.
“He just wanted to use my strength as a player,” revealed Kartum, “And just talked about what I can contribute to the team and where he wanted to use me.
“I’m a hard-working guy. I put the team first and likes to be creative and use my left foot to contribute to goals.
“I feel like I’m a box-to-box midfielder, but I like to play more attacking so I’m used to playing on the right, so that fits me perfectly.”