Forward Ryotaro Meshino signed on Friday a season-long loan deal with Scottish club Heart of Midlothian from Premier League side Manchester City, which he joined earlier this month.

"I thought (Hearts) were the best team for me. Now, I need to step up a gear," Meshino told a news conference after arriving in Edinburgh on Friday morning.

The 21-year-old Meshino opened his career with the J. Leauge's Gamba Osaka, coming up through the side's youth system before making his top-team debut last year. He had three goals in 12 games this season before moving to Manchester City this month.

Subject to international clearance, he can make his Scottish Premiership debut on Saturday when the Hearts play Hamilton Academical at home.

The Hearts are sitting in 11th in the 12-team table with a one-draw, two-loss record after the first three games of the season.

"I haven't practiced with a team or played a match for about a month, but I will do my best if I get a chance to play," he said.