Hearts winger Jamie Walker signs contract extension

Jamie Walker has committed his long-term future to Hearts by signing a contract extension until the summer of 2018.

The 22-year-old has played 105 times for the Jambos, scoring 18 goals in the process.

Walker joins Igor Rossi and Arnaud Djoum in pledging their futures to Hearts, and head coach Robbie Neilson is delighted the winger is staying at Tynecastle.

"I'm pleased to get Jamie signed up. He's a Hearts Football Academy graduate, and we've got a few more guys too who we'd like to get signed up as we think that they deserve it and they've done well this season," Neilson told Hearts News.

"It works well for both parties. Jamie's a big prospect at the club, played a lot of games and there's been interest in him over the years. To get him tied up gives us security but it also gives Jamie security as well, to go and progress and concentrate on his football.

"This season has been a bit stop-start for Jamie. Last season he played very well for us and won us a lot of games. He's a big part of the team and was at the start of the season.

"He's had a couple of little niggling injuries recently, which have hindered him, but we expect him to make a full recovery and add value to the team."

The player himself is also happy to have signed an extended deal and is keen to repay the faith shown in him by Neilson.

"I'm delighted that I'm staying. It was an easy decision to make to stay," said Walker.

"I've not played much this season but it shows that the gaffer's got faith in me by giving me a new contract.

"It makes sense to commit my future to the club and give something back. As I said, the gaffer's shown faith in me as I've been injured for a lot of the season and he could've just left it and seen how my injury was.

"Hopefully I can repay him with good performances.

"I started back running yesterday [Tuesday] so hopefully next week or the week after I'll be back fit. The gaffer likes to mix it up a bit but whatever formation or team he plays I think I can fit in well. I'm looking forward to getting back playing."

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