GAVIN REILLY admitted he was "overwhelmed" at Hearts' pursuit of him after he finally completed his move to Tynecastle.

The 22-year-old former Queen of the South striker has signed a three-year deal with the Ladbrokes Premiership newcomers after Hearts agreed a development fee with Queens.

The Dumfries-born forward scored 15 goals last season and is looking to progress in the top flight under Robbie Neilson.

Reilly, who has more than 100 first-team appearances under his belt, said: "It was a wee bit overwhelming; a club the size of Hearts being interested in me, it's brilliant. Credit to myself for the performances I was putting in last season, hopefully I can do the fans justice and the club justice for coming to sign me.

"Robbie said he's been impressed by my work-rate and my pace, and also my goalscoring record. Hopefully I can use those skills and talents and bring them here.

"He's told me I'm not going to play every game, but hopefully I can work hard and try and play every game. Hopefully I'll get a good pre-season under my belt to begin with and who knows what will happen?"

Neilson highlighted Reilly's desire to improve as a key factor in his signing.

"He's a hard worker, a good finisher and he makes runs over the top which will allow us to press really high up the pitch as well," Neilson said.

"He's desperate to come through here and he's desperate to do well for us. You want players who have got that hunger and from having spoken to him a couple of times you can tell he's desperate to progress his career and he sees Hearts as a good opportunity for himself.

"We see an opportunity to develop him. He'll be coming to a club with really good facilities and he'll be training more often than he has in the past. Stevie Crawford will give him some really in-depth coaching in the striking department, which will really progress him."

Neilson, who has seen former skipper Danny Wilson sign for Rangers, has been tipped to sign another striker this week after Spanish target man Juanma negotiated a release from Greek side Kalloni.

Neilson earlier released forward James Keatings, who signed for Hibs, and saw loan striker Genero Zeefuik depart.

Reilly joins an exodus of talented young players from Queens with Mark Durnan (Dundee United), Dan Carmichael (Hibs), Kevin Holt (Dundee) and Ian McShane (Ross County) having already left this summer.