Lewis Neilson has extended his contract before making a loan move to St Johnstone.
The 21-year-old has penned a year’s extension until 2026 and will now head to McDiarmid Park for the 2024/25 season.
Scotland cap Lewis joined the Jambos back in 2022 after the expiration of his contract at Dundee United.
With 16 Hearts appearances under his belt, he spent last season on loan at Partick Thistle, where he helped the Jags to third place in the Championship, reaching the semi-finals of the Premiership play-offs.
Lewis will now spend this campaign continuing his development in Perth and Steven Naismith believes regular gametime in the top flight will offer the defender the opportunity to accelerate his progress.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, the Head Coach said: “Lewis really benefitted from his loan spell in the Championship last season and now he has the chance to take even bigger strides by playing consistently in the Premiership.
“Our defence is full of players with international experience and while Lewis would undoubtedly continue to learn from being around them, he’ll gain more by getting minutes on the pitch at a good level.
“By extending his contract there is that extra motivation to do well this season and come back and challenge for a first-team place at Hearts the following year.”
