KILMARNOCK manager Gary Locke insists Mark O'Hara has a big future in the game after re-signing the defender on a two-year deal.

The Scotland Under-21 cap, who became the fifth youngster person to play for the Rugby Park side after making his debut as a substitute in August 2012 at the age of 16, made 18 appearances last season.

Locke, who has set a deadline of Monday for out of contract pair Manuel Pascali and Alexei Eremenko to make a decision on their respective new offers, said: "I am really pleased to be keeping our best young talent at the club, it was a coup for us to keep him.

"He is only 19 and has a big future ahead of him. I'm sure he will kick on and do very well next season."

O'Hara, who made a memorable full debut in the October 2012 win at Celtic, said: "I am delighted to have signed on again for the club.

"My goal for 2015/16 is to firmly establish myself in the first team with the hope of helping the club achieve a top-six spot."

Kilmarnock confirmed last week that Paul Cairney, Chris Chantler, Sammy Clingan, Lee Miller, Nathan Eccleston, Dylan Pooler, Euan Smith and Mark Thomson had all been released.