Jamie Brandon’s Hearts contract has been extended for the season - with a view to getting him a loan move in January.
The right-back has been out for the best part of the year with a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.
Brandon, 23, was given a six month contract at the start of the season to give him time to cover his rehabilitation.
The former Scotland Under-21 cap is now fully fit and has been back in training for several weeks.
Hearts have decided to give him a deal for the rest of the season and are prepared to send him out on loan to get some much-needed game time.
The Jambos are currently assessing their options on both sides of the border.
Brandon was handed his debut by Ian Cathro on the final day of the 2016-17 season.
Earlier this year manager Robbie Neilson said: "Jamie is doing full running but still not any contact training. We are hoping he will be back by January having played one or two bounce games.
"He should be fully fit and played a couple of games, so we will see how he does and then make a decision on him in January."
