Michael Smith has signed a new 18-month contract at Hearts.
The Northern Ireland defender is a fans’ favourite at Tynecastle for his consistent performances.
His deal was set to run out this summer amid fears the 32-year-old could move on from the Championship leaders.
But Smith has committed his immediate future to the club in a fresh set of terms and will stay in Gorgie until at least the summer of 2022.
Manager Robbie Neilson was delighted with the move as he told the Hearts website the club's younger talents now look up to the right-back.
He said: "I’m really pleased that Michael has agreed a contract extension.
"Michael’s a really important player for us and a top player too. He has a wealth of experience and is an international standard player, which is great for the club.
"He’s been a mainstay from when he joined Hearts and I’ve really enjoyed working with him since I’ve come in, and I know he’s a player the younger guys look up to as well."
