ROBBIE NEILSON, the Hearts manager, has spoken of his delight at securing attacking midfielder Billy King on a new two-year contract.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder played an important role in the Tynecastle club's march to the SPFL Championship title, scoring nine goals in 33 appearances over the course of the campaign, and was joined in penning a fresh deal by young prospects Gary Oliver and Robbie Buchanan.
Oliver enjoyed a loan spell at Stenhousemuir earlier in the season while Buchanan, voted Player of the Year for the club's Under-20 side, was farmed out to Cowdenbeath for the latter part of the campaign. They made 18 first-team appearances between them.
Oliver has signed a one-year agreement with a further one-year option while Buchanan will remain with the club for the next two years.
"I'm pleased to get Billy signed up," said Neilson. "He's performed really well for us this year.
"He's got a big future at the club and I'm glad to get him tied up.
"Both Gary and Robbie went out on loan this season and did really well. We were desperate to get Gary back from Stenhousemuir and into the first-team squad and get him involved and he did really well towards the end of the season.
"Robbie performed well on loan at Cowdenbeath and I was really pleased with his performances.
"The two of them will be pushing for the first-team squad next season, so it's great to get two of bright, young talents signed up."
Meanwhile, Scott Robinson, linked with a transfer to Kilmarnock, will leave at the end of the month when his contract expires.
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