Michael McGovern is set for a reunion with two former Norwich City colleagues after joining Hearts on a free transfer. 

The veteran keeper, 39, has penned a one-year deal at Tynecastle following his Carrow Road exit after a seven-year spell in Norfolk. 

McGovern returns to Scotland and will work closely with former City team-mate and current Hearts technical director Steven Naismith and Alex Neil's ex-assistant Frankie McAvoy, who is head coach. 

He has joined to provide support and bring experience to Hearts' stable of goalkeepers, including Zander Clark and Craig Gordon, who is continuing his recovery from a leg break. 

Naismith has described the opportunity to sign McGovern as a 'no-brainer' and believes he will bring an additional layer of know-how ahead of their Scottish Premiership campaign.

“I played with Michael at Norwich City so I know first-hand how good of a goalkeeper he is, and he has the right characteristics to fit into this group of players," Naismith said.

“With departures from last season and Craig Gordon working hard on his rehabilitation, we were a bit short in the goalkeeping department so when the opportunity came up to bring someone of Michael’s pedigree in, it was really a no-brainer.

“The experience he’s amassed playing at the highest level in Scotland, England and internationally will be massive benefit to the squad as a whole, but particularly our goalkeepers."

The opportunity to link up with familiar faces again played a pivotal role in McGovern's decision to return to Scotland and he is relishing the opportunity of playing in Edinburgh. 

The Pink Un: Former Norwich City man Steven Naismith is the technical director at Hearts.Former Norwich City man Steven Naismith is the technical director at Hearts. (Image: PA Images)

“I’m delighted. Hearts are a massive club, I’m excited to be here and looking forward to getting started,” the former City keeper told Hearts TV.

“It’s pleasing to be back because I loved my time in Scottish football. I loved the passion that the fans have and I’m looking forward to getting back into it, being in front of crowds and enjoying the atmosphere.

“I played with Naisy at Norwich and worked with both Frankie and Joe at Hamilton and Norwich. There are a lot of familiar faces and once the opportunity to come here came about, I was desperate to be a part of it."