Heart of Midlothian have confirmed Harry Stone will join Ayr United on loan for the 2024/25 season.

Hearts Standard reported earlier this week the goalkeeper was attracting interest from the Championship and would likely be heading out on loan.

With two Scotland international goalkeepers in Craig Gordon and Zander Clark under contract for next season, the club have opted to send him to Somerset Park to continue his development after a successful campaign at Queen of the South where he won an award for his performances for the League One side. 

READ MORE: How loans, psychologist and hard work are making Harry Stone a better goalkeeper

Stone, currently contracted until 2025, has previously spent time on loan at Partick Thistle, Albion Rovers, Stirling Albion and The Spartans. 

Steven Naismith explained the reason for the latest loan and confirmed Stone is highly rated at Tynecastle Park.

“Harry enjoyed a really good season with Queen of the South and earned a lot of plaudits for his performances," he told the club's website.

“We want to him to keep that momentum going and Ayr United, we believe, will be a great environment for him to continue to develop.

“It’s a level up so it will be a challenge for him, but he’s a player we rate very highly. The onus is on Harry to keep on progressing and achieve the standards we know he’s capable of.”