Craig Halkett signs new two and a half year deal at Hearts

Hearts defender Craig Halkett has signed a new deal committing himself to the club until the summer of 2024.

The 26-year-old has helped the Tynecastle club into third place in the Premiership in their first season back in the top-flight after winning the Championship last year.

Despite being relegated in his first year, when the Premiership season was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the centre-half has been a mainstay of side since joining from Livingston in 2019 and played a big part in helping Robbie Neilson’s men return to the big time in the first time of asking.

Playing 19 of the club’s 20 league games this season he has helped them keep seven clean sheets and concede the third least amount of goals after Celtic and Rangers.

Hearts announced the contract extension on Tuesday and the news left manager Robbie Neilson “delighted”.

Speaking to Hearts TV he said: “I’m delighted that Craig has committed his future to the club.

“He’s a big player for us and he’s really come into his own this season with some standout performances.

“To have him around for the next two-and-a-half years is welcome news and I’m sure he and the team will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Halkett follows Scotland star Craig Gordon in signing a new deal with the veteran goalkeeper also signing on until 2024.