HEARTS director of football Craig Levein has heaped praise on the club's supporters after season ticket sales crashed through the 10,000 barrier.

The Gorgie outfit are well on their way to surpassing the 12,500 figure achieved last term as they prepare for their Premiership return.

Hearts are also making around 2,000 more seats available to their own fans after reducing the away allocation that is traditionally given to Celtic, Hibs and Rangers.

Levein said: "It's an outstanding achievement. To have the backing that we had last season was incredible, and to see that continued this season is wonderful, especially when you consider that the season has only just finished.

"If we can sell out season tickets, then that would be amazing. We made the decision as the board of directors, because the demand was so high for tickets last season, to up the season ticket numbers to allow as many Hearts supporters as possible to buy seats.

"I'm delighted to see that they're well on their way to taking us up on that."

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson, meanwhile, will take his first team squad to Oban in July to play in the D&K Lafferty Cup Tournament.

The Championship winners have traditionally sent youngsters to the pre-season get together in the past.

The friendlies take place on Saturday, July 11, and involve Hamilton, Alloa, Dundee United Under-20s, St Johnstone Under-20s and hosts Oban Saints.