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Midfielder Jamie Walker has extended his contract with Hearts until the summer of 2018.

The 22-year-old came through Hearts' development system and has been a regular in the first team since 2012.

"I'm delighted that I'm staying," Walker "It was an easy decision to make to stay."

And head coach there has been "interest" in the Scotland Under-21 cap. "Jamie's a big prospect at the club," said Neilson.

"I'm pleased to get Jamie signed up. He's a Hearts Football Academy graduate, and we've got a few more guys too who we'd like to get signed up as we think that they deserve it and they've done well this season.

"It works well for both parties. Jamie's a big prospect at the club, played a lot of games and there's been interest in him over the years. To get him tied up gives us security but it also gives Jamie security as well, to go and progress and concentrate on his football.

"This season has been a bit stop-start for Jamie. Last season he played very well for us and won us a lot of games. He's a big part of the team and was at the start of the season.

"He's had a couple of little niggling injuries recently, which have hindered him, but we expect him to make a full recovery and add value to the team."

Walker has not featured since late October.

And he said: "It makes sense to commit my future to the club and give something back.

"The gaffer's shown faith in me as I've been injured for a lot of the season and he could've just left it and seen how my injury was.

"Hopefully, I can repay him with good performances. I started back running yesterday so hopefully next week or the week after I'll be back fit.

"The gaffer likes to mix it up a bit but whatever formation or team he plays I think I can fit in well. I'm looking forward to getting back playing."