Hearts have completed the signing of goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

The Northern Ireland international has joined the club on a free transfer move from Norwich.

McGovern, 39, agreed a one-year deal with the option of a further year.

Former Hamilton keeper McGovern has been signed to "provide competition for Zander Clark and also pass on his knowledge to the club’s younger goalkeepers", a Hearts statement read.

Head coach Frankie McAvoy commented: “Michael is someone who I know very well from our time together at Hamilton Academical and then Norwich City.

“He’s got great character but, most importantly, he’s a first-class goalkeeper and you only need to look at the career he’s had to see that.

“He’ll push Zander all the way in the training as we head towards the start of the season, and I’m certain our young goalkeeper will find his experience invaluable.”

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Technical director Steven Naismith added: “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.

“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.

“We’re excited about Harry Stone’s prospects and Michael coming in allows him to get even more game time, be it with the B Team or a loan move, with a view to him coming into the first team squad.”

And sporting director Joe Savage said: “We’re delighted to get Michael in the door as our first signing of the summer.

“We identified early on which areas needed strengthening and one of those was the goalkeeping department, so to get someone as talented and experienced as Michael into the squad is a massive boost.

“Our recruitment team has been working round the clock this summer and will continue to do so in order to find and bring in the right players for this club. We have many irons in the fire at the moment and I’m confident that our magnificent supporters won’t have long to wait until we add even more quality to the group.”