Partick Thistle boss Kris Doolan has hailed on-loan Hearts man Lewis Neilson as a "Rolls Royce" of a defender.

The 20-year-old started out at Dundee United before making the move to Tynecastle and he has spent this season on-loan in the Championship.

Neilson has been a key performer for Thistle this term and he impressed his manager Doolan who reckons he is in for a big future.

READ MORE: Life on the road: Why Lewis Neilson left Hearts on loan to further his development

Speaking after Partick's 3-2 win over Queen's Park on Tuesday afternoon, Doolan said: "I'm delighted for him because I always feel Lewis gives us so much but it's the goalscorers who get the extra praise.

"He's absolutely a Rolls Royce of a centre-back. He's as good a centre-back as I've seen in a long, long time.

"Today he scored and it turned out to be a very important goal. It shows you his value to us. It capped off an absolutely brilliant performance by him."

Meanwhile, Steven Naismith revealed he is hopeful of tying down Alan Forrest on a new contract after seeing the winger become “a big player” for Hearts.

The 27-year-old joined from Livingston on a two-year deal in the summer of 2022.

Naismith has been pleased with Forrest’s form recently and felt he was the best player on the pitch in Tuesday’s 2-1 win away to his former club.

The former Ayr attacker won a penalty, which was missed by Lawrence Shankland, and then set up the two goals for Kenneth Vargas and Shankland.

READ MORE: The Hearts Park Ji-Sung: Why Steven Naismith wants new Alan Forrest deal

“For me, Al was man of the match,” said manager Naismith. “He’s somebody who has had to be patient but he’s got really good attributes.

“I’ve questioned his big moments – can we get them more consistent? He’s worked as hard as anybody in the squad to make sure he gets his opportunity and he’s done it.

“Hopefully he will sign a new contract soon. He’s a big player for us.”