Kilmarnock defender Conrad Balatoni has signed a two and a half year contract with the Ayrshire club.

Balatoni had signed a short-term deal at Rugby Park in September after struggling to find a new club following his departure from Partick Thistle at the end of last season.

And both he and manager Gary Locke have been so happy with the arrangement that they have extended his stay until the summer of 2018.

Balatoni, who has scored once in eight appearances for Killie, told the club's official website: "I'm thrilled to have signed a long-term deal with Kilmarnock.

"Since joining in September I've settled in well. I managed to get my fitness levels up quickly and then get a lot of first-team game time under my belt, which is what I was hoping for.

"I'm enjoying the style of football that Gary is developing. I really feel that the club is on the verge of achieving something great and I want to be part of that."

Locke added: "I'm delighted that Conrad has committed to a long-term contract with the club. He's done really well since joining so it was important that we get him secured for the future.

"At just 24 years old, he'll remain at his peak over the next few seasons and it's great that Kilmarnock will get the benefit of this."