Hearts hand new deals to young stars James Wilson and Adam Forrester

Hearts have been handed a boost ahead of the Scottish Cup final as academy graduates James Wilson and Adam Forrester signed new deals at Tynecastle.

The pair have enjoyed breakthrough seasons, established themselves as first-team regulars, and been rewarded with new contracts.

Wilson has penned a new deal until 2027, with potential extensions, while Forrester has committed his future to the club until 2028.

It’s the latest step in a remarkable season for 18-year-old Wilson in particular, who has not only scored six goals and become the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in Europe, but has also broken through into the Scotland squad and earned his first senior cap.

Forrester has played 28 games this season and has added his first two Under-21 caps after catching the eye in the Hearts side.

“It’s great news that both James and Adam have committed their futures to the club,” head coach Neil Critchley said.

“They have both contributed massively to the first-team in their debut seasons and with more important games to come, we’re confident that their attitude towards learning and their desire to improve means that they have a big future at the club.

“It’s important to remember that neither are the finished article yet. They are young players who will continue to develop and the experiences they’ve encountered this season will be invaluable to their growth as first-team players.

“We’re very proud to see two Hearts Academy graduates rewarded with fully merited new contracts and great deal of credit goes to our academy staff.

“We look forward to watching them pull on the maroon shirt in the months and years ahead.”