Heart of Midlothian extended Lewis Neilson's contract until 2026 before sending him on loan to St Johnstone for the season.

The centre-back joins up with former Hearts duo Craig Levein and Andy Kirk at McDiarmid Park where he will gain further first-team experience in the Scottish Premeirship.

Neilson spent last season on loan at Partick Thistle in the Championship, making 43 appearances in all competitions.

Steven Naismith explained the reasoning behind the loan deal, citing the competition he woulf face for a place at Hearts with Frankie Kent, Craig Halkett, Daniel Oyegoke, Stephen Kingsley and Kye Rowles ahead of him in the pecking order.

“Lewis really benefitted from his loan spell in the Championship last season and now he has the chance to take even bigger strides by playing consistently in the Premiership," he told the club's website.

“Our defence is full of players with international experience and while Lewis would undoubtedly continue to learn from being around them, he’ll gain more by getting minutes on the pitch at a good level.

“By extending his contract there is that extra motivation to do well this season and come back and challenge for a first-team place at Hearts the following year.”

Neilson described the move as a "no brainer" and said he is looking forward to working under Levein.

“After speaking to Hearts my next step was just to play as many games as I can and playing in the Scottish Premiership is huge," he said. “When St Johnstone wanted to take me it was a no brainer. It seems like a great group of boys so I am excited to get started.

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“I have never worked under the manager but I have heard a lot of good things, I think the style of play is really going to help my game.

“I am sure this loan spell will help me and I hope I can help the club too. I am delighted to be in and get a full week of training before our league opener against Aberdeen. It is an exciting opening game.”

Levein added: “We are delighted to bring Lewis into the club for the season. He is an exciting defensive prospect and I am sure he will help us over the course of the campaign.

“It is great to bring Lewis in ahead of our opening league game against Aberdeen and I look forward to working with him going forward.”