The midfielder was a ballboy at Tynecastle as a youngster and jumped at the chance to sign a pre-contract agreement back in December.

The 24-year-old quit relegated Caley at the end of last season and the waiting was finally over when he reported for his first day at his new club on Wednesday.

He now hopes to follow in the footsteps of his Jambos heroes and make the most of the opportunity.

"I grew up watching the likes of John Robertson and Gary Mackay, who were playing here when I was younger," he said.

"I was a ball boy for the majority of the times I was at the games. It was great just being around the stadium and watching players like that.

"It's really exciting. I used to look on when I was younger and think 'I'd love that to be me'.

"I've worked hard and I'm starting to get the rewards now. But this is just the start of it and I've got a lot further to go."

The move to Hearts also sees him continue a family tradition after his father - also Ian - spent three years at the club.

"It's a funny one," said Black. "Everybody looks back on that and it's great.

"He has spoken to me and told me to knuckle down and work hard and enjoy it. I wasn't around when he was playing but he has told me a few stories.

"He enjoyed his time here and said I would enjoy it too."

Black says new boss Csaba Laszlo played a big part in convincing him that Hearts was the right move.

The Hungarian made a favourable impression in his first season in Scotland when he steered the Jambos to a third place finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and was voted manager of the year by Scottish journalists.

"He's great," enthused Black.

"I watched him over the season and he has done great for the team and brilliantly for the club.

"Everyone enjoys working with him.

"I've met him and it made my decision to come here easier, with the way he works and what he is looking for and what he is looking to bring to the club.

"He loves the game and, like myself, he is passionate and likes to win. He has a lot of hunger and that will help all the players in the squad."

Black is now hoping to make a major impact of his own when the new campaign gets under way.

"It feels great to be here," he told Hearts TV.

"I'm excited and just looking forward to meeting everyone, seeing the manager again and getting down to work.

"I'm just itching to go. I can't wait. Today it is going to happen and I'm excited. It's a massive club.

"To be here and to pull the jersey on is hopefully going to be great."