HEARTS midfielder Connor Smith has agreed a new contract at the club and manager Robbie Neilson admits he will be given a chance to force his way into the first team.
The 20-year-old has impressed in helping Queen’s Park clinch promotion to the Championship via the play-offs and even scored in the second leg of the decisive clash with Airdrie.
Smith made a total of 34 appearances for the Spiders and will now attempt to catch the eye when the Hearts squad return for pre-season training.
The forward - who has made six outings for Hearts - has shaken hands on fresh terms at Tynecastle and is set to put pen to paper imminently.
Neilson said: “The deal is agreed. It's just a case of getting a few wee bits and bobs tidied up now.
“Connor did pretty well at Queen’s Park last season. I still think he might need another loan at a higher level again but he will come back in with the first-team squad for pre-season.
“He can do some training and we will see where he is before we make a decision. He's got ability, that's for sure. It's just putting it all together.
“There will definitely be spaces to fill in the squad, especially at the beginning of the campaign.
“We will have pre-season games and then we kick into European games so there is more than likely going to be a spot for him.”
