Heart of Midlothian are keen to extend Alan Forrest's stay at the club - and the player has confirmed he hopes to stay longer at Tynecastle Park.

The 27-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season and head coach Steven Naismith expressed his hope that "he will sign a new contract soon".

"He’s someone who has had to be patient," he said. "He’s got really good attributes. I’ve questioned his big moments. Can we get him to be more consistent? He’s worked as hard as anybody in the squad to make sure he gets his opportunity and he’s got it. He’s a big player for us."

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Forrest made a match-winning contribution in the win over Livingston earlier this week with two assists.

Regarding a new deal, the player said it "will take care of itself".

"It is one where there has been stuff spoken about but I just want to play games just now," he said. "That side of it will take care of itself. If I’m getting selected then it’s just about carrying out my job as best I can. It’s about how I provide for the team, with goals and assists. If there is a decision to be made then we will see. I’m enjoying my football here."

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Forrest has played in a variety of positions this season and has taken on a more important role within the team compared to last season which was his first after signing from Livingston.

"I think I’ve improved," he said. "This is my second year here now. You want to get better every year, I had that first season and played a lot of games but now you are looking at trying to improve on that and trying to be more effective so that I can try to stay here longer. To do that I need to be bringing something to the table so I have to be as effective as I can."