Heart of Midlothian Football Club is delighted to announce that promising youngster Lucas Smith has signed a one-year contract extension at Tynecastle Park.
The left-sided defender will continue his journey in a maroon jersey, after impressing on his previous six month deal following his astonishing recovery from a devastating ACL injury that kept him out of football for two years.
With the club since childhood, Lucas also attended our Balerno Performance School for over four years and continues to balance boots and books as he studies towards two Advanced Highers alongside his football career.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Academy Director Andrew Webster said: "When I arrived in the Academy last July, Lucas was in the final stages of his return from a long-term injury.
"I distinctly remember the boys U18s playing away to Motherwell and Lucas was on the bench. Without knowing too much about anything we stood at the side of the pitch and discussed our thoughts on the game and football in general. It was clear from that initial encounter that Lucas was a mature young person who was very level-headed.
"Someone suffering a longer-term injury at such a young age can have a big impact on them not only on their development as a young aspiring footballer but as a person. However, Lucas' ability to work hard during a difficult period is a testament to the person he is. He managed to build up his fitness and worked hard to get himself back on the pitch with his teammates and started to excel.
"During the season, not only has he went on to earn himself a contract with the B Team for this season but his academic achievements at school are also to be celebrated by all.
"Lucas should be very proud of the effort, determination and resilience shown over an extremely challenging period for him and his family, I know we are in the Academy. As an Academy we are looking forward to watching Lucas' progressing over the coming season being part of the B Team and hopefully beyond."
