Craig Halkett is thrilled to have signed a Hearts contract extension after overcoming some “tough” injury-ravaged years to become a mainstay under Derek McInnes this season.

The 30-year-old centre-back has committed his future to the Tynecastle club until summer 2028.

Halkett has made 159 appearances since joining from Livingston in 2019, scoring five goals for the league leaders this season.

“I’m delighted,” Halkett told Hearts TV.

“It’s a great feeling for me and my family. I’ve been here a long time, and I’m just delighted that I’ve got another couple of years here now, so I’m buzzing.

“Back when I signed in 2019, it’s been a bit up and down, but the last few years have been tough with injury and stuff like that, but I feel like this year, I’ve come back and I’m in a good place.

“The team is in a good place. The whole building’s feeling good at the moment, so it’s a great place to be.

“I said back in the summer, it was one of my main aims at the start of the season, to come back in great shape and play as many games as I could, to try and earn a new contract. Like I said, the last few years have been tough.

“I hadn’t played anywhere near as many games as I wanted to play, so it was important this summer to go away, work hard, come back in the best shape I possibly could and start the season well and, thankfully, I’ve done that.”