Heart of Midlothian have announced a new deal for the highly-rated Macaulay Tait, extending his contract to 2028.

The 18-year-old midfielder has emerged as a first-team player this season under Steven Naismith having worked under the head coach with the B team. He made his debut as a second-half substitute in the 2-0 win over Celtic at Parkhead, while he was credited as the "catalyst" for Hearts overcoming a 2-0 deficit at home to Dundee to win 3-2 in Gorgie. Tait has made five appearances in total.

Naismith believes there was "never any doubt" the teenager had what it took to make the step up.

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“We started discussions with Macaulay about a new contract a while back so I’m pleased that’s it’s been sorted," Naismith told the club's website.

“He is a player I know well having worked closely with him in the B Team and U18s, and from my point of view there was never any doubt that he had the potential to make the step up.

“I think everybody has recently seen the impact that Macaulay has made when he’s come on to the pitch but it’s only the start of his journey with the first team, and we feel there is much more to come from him.

“The challenge to be consistently involved in the first team and meet the demands required is huge. It’s been a really promising start by Macaulay and we’ll give him all the help he needs to make an impact in a Hearts jersey.”

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Tait follows Craig Gordon, Craig Halkett, Liam Boyce and Alan Forrest in signing a new deal with the Tynecastle Park club.

Hearts are keen to tie down their most talented assets, especially the burgeoning talents in the academy.

Sporting director Joe Savage said: “It’s always really positive when a young player emerges from the Academy and wins the right to be involved in the first team, so this is an important piece of business and I’m delighted for Macaulay.

“It also demonstrates the pathway that exists between the Academy and the first team, and in Steven we have a manager who is not afraid to involve young players if he feels they are ready and can benefit the team.

“Steven has said publicly that new contracts are a reward and not just to be addressed when they expire. This is absolutely the case and we have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that our players feel rewarded, the club protects its interests and the fans get to cheer on their heroes for seasons to come.”