Aidan Denholm will spend the season on loan at Ross County, Heart of Midlothian have announced.

The 20-year-old made the breakthrough last season after effectively being released last summer and would go on to make 24 appearances in all competitions, signing a contract extension until 2026 during the campaign.

This summer he has operated at right-back but will now work under former Hearts midfielder Don Cowie at Ross County. The Staggies kept their Premiership status last season by winning the play-off against Raith Rovers.

The move comes on the back of Hearts trying to add midfielder Malachi Boateng from Crystal Palace. The Tynecastle Park club are understood to be at the front of the queue of teams from England and Italy to land the 22-year-old who spent last season with Dundee.

Steven Naismith explained the reasoning behind the move, noting the competition in midfield and in other areas will limit the opportunities for Denholm this season.

“It’s a good move for Aidan who will get to work under a top operator in Don Cowie," the head coach told the club's website. “Aidan did really well last season to come into the team but to really progress he needs a consistent run of games.

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“We have recruited with purpose for our domestic and European campaigns so the opportunities that were there last year may not be there this season.

“By going to Ross County Aidan can continue his development by staying in the top flight and staking his case for regular minutes on the pitch.

“He can then return to Hearts with more experience under his belt and look to push on for a starting place at Tynecastle next season."

Hearts have been cutting down the size of the squad with Toby Sibbick having left, joining Wigan Athletic while Nathaniel Atkinson is set to move on and Lewis Neilson is wanted by St Johnstone.