Not long after Heart of Midlothian had announced the contract extension for Aidan Denholm, the club's B team and academy Twitter account celebrated the deal with a post of their own.

"Congratulations Aidan Denholm," it read. "With us since joining from Edinburgh City Youth at the age of 8, Aidan is a shining example of the type of person and player, on and off the pitch, we strive to develop at the Heart of Midlothian academy."

It was accompanied by a photo of the player aged eight signing a contract. This was a kid on top of the world. A beaming smile and excited face. Fast forward 11 years and presented with a contract for three years it is easy to imagine 19-year-old Denholm had the exact same expression.

"Words can't really describe it," he said. "I was just focusing on my football and trying to get back in the team. My agent came to me about a new deal and it was something I wanted to get done straight away. I've been a Jambo all my life and I wanted to get it signed."

Back on top of the world.

He has penned a deal with his boyhood club until 2026. A reward for sacrifice, graft and as head coach Steven Naismith noted, his career so far has "probably been in the category of doing everything the hard way".

By now all Hearts fans will be aware of Denholm's summer. He had been told he could leave by the previous management only to be brought back to the club by Naismith and given a year deal following a trial down south. However, that is just one chapter of Denholm's story. There is so much more to his journey.

When he was 16 he wasn't offered a full-time contract by his boyhood club. Instead he was given a part-time deal, meaning the teenager combined football and school. He would get paid expenses, or more accurately his Grandma Anne would get petrol money on account of her driving him into training. By the time Covid hit he was applying for a job in Tesco, "trying to get some money in my back pocket".

READ MORE: In full: Aidan Denholm ecstatic to earn new Hearts deal

"At 16 you get told if you are getting a deal or not," he recalled. "At the time they offered me part time. It was something me and my family discussed, what do I want to do and stuff. I said that I need to prove I am worth being here. I just kept the head down and got paid expenses.

"Because I was part time my mum and dad were saying you can't rely on part-time football. It's not really a job. I was with the 18s at the time, coming in at night training with the 16s but playing with the 18s on a Friday night when I could. I was saying to Hearts I need to do school. I started doing really well when I turned 16 and started playing for the reserves under Andy Kirk, he was really good with me.

"They were asking me to come in a lot so I left school, my gamble really. Luckily it paid off. I got offered a year then Covid hit. I just kept working through. Now to have the deal until 2026 is something which is a bit surreal after that journey."

It is a journey which included loan spells at Berwick Rangers in the Lowland League and East Fife. At the former he was a kid entering a completely different environment.

"I can't speak highly enough of Berwick Rangers," Denholm said. "I went there when I was 16. It was my first real taste of men's football. I went there trying to get games under my belt and managed to do so.

"I was on loan at East Fife as well. That went fairly well. It started off good but towards the end didn't get many minutes. I learned so much from those two loans but this season has been the real eye opener."

Hearts Standard:

Hearts Standard spoke to Berwick assistant manager Dean Shanks who couldn't be happier with the player's progression, continuing to stay in touch with a youngster who was a "breath of fresh air" when he arrived at the club, leaving a lasting impression.

"His application and desire to want to learn and keep improving," Shanks said. "It was really impressive. He definitely made a difference and impact. You knew right away he had the desire and determination to be better. It was evident. A young boy coming into that environment, he made a massive impact with the standards that he set. He became a mainstay in our team.

"He was well received by the team but he was a breath of fresh air to coach. He was receptive and willing to take on information to improve. He was constantly wanting to get better, improve and drive standards. That was there for all to see. People fed off his energy."

READ MORE: Naismith talks quick starts, Denholm deal and injuries - Q&A

That is echoed by Naismith who spoke of the player's "infectious energy" and how receptive he is during games and on the training ground. Away from the pitch he has added size thanks to a gym programme and a better nutrition plan. 

There is always the concern that once a player, especially a young one, is awarded with a long-term deal they settle, take their foot off the gas. You only have to spend a little time listening to the player and those who have coached him to realise that isn't in his DNA.

"I've seen so many boys sign long-term deals and it doesn't work out, "he said. "I want to stay as humble as I can. I want to keep pushing. It's a great honour to be offered something until 2026 at Heart of Midlothian, one of the biggest clubs in Scotland. That doesn't stop the hard work.

"I have aspirations to get back in the team. If that means I have to go on loan in January then it's something we talk about. If not, I'll be ready."

Finally, what about that photo of a grinning Denholm?

"It's not a great photo," the player laughed, "I'd like to think my hair has got better!

"I'm a Jambo who has come through all the ranks. I haven't had an easy time but I wouldn't have it any other way. If anything, it has made me the person I am. I like challenges and I can't wait to see what the future holds."