US international, ex-DC midfielder Perry Kitchen named Hearts captain

Perry Kitchen - close up

US international Perry Kitchen certainly didn’t take long to make his mark at Hearts.


Kitchen, who joined the Scottish club in March after five seasons with D.C. United, was named club captain by Hearts manager Robbie Neilson on Wednesday.


The 24-year-old defensive midfielder has appeared in five of Hearts’ six Scottish Premier League contests this year and three of their four UEFA Europa League matches.


“I’ve been impressed by Perry’s attitude, desire and, of course, his performances from day one,” Neilson told Hearts’ official website. “He’s a natural and leads by example both on and off the park. He’s also a really good player and will inspire those around him to reach the highest standards.”


Kitchen recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 158 regular season appearances in five seasons with D.C., helping the club to the 2013 US Open Cup title and playoff appearances in 2012, 2014 and 2015. A member of the US squad at this summer’s Copa América Centenario, Kitchen has four career caps with the USMNT.