Dylan McGowan secures Hearts deal extension

DYLAN McGOWAN today revealed he is staying at Tynecastle next season and will be granted a contract extension by Hearts.

The young Australian explained his delight at securing his future for the next 12 months and said he is determined to prove he should stay even longer.

Although McGowan’s current contract expires at the end of this campaign, Hearts have the option to extend it for another year at their discretion. The player has had it confirmed that the clause will be invoked to keep him in Gorgie for 2013/14.

“I’ll be here next year, which is great,” McGowan told the Evening News. “It wasn’t a case of me signing, as such. It’s a contract which rolls on. The club are taking up the option as far as I know so I’m pleased with that. The uncertainty plays on your mind a little bit but I’m over the moon to be staying here. Hopefully I can have a better season next year and prove that I should be here a little bit longer again. I’m looking forward to pushing on, getting some more games and proving my worth at this football club.”

McGowan is expected to continue at centre-back against St Mirren tomorrow after returning to the starting line-up against Dundee last week. Andy Webster is suspended and, whilst Hearts wanted to have Danny Wilson available, his thigh injury has not responded as well as medical staff hoped. Darren Barr is now likely to partner McGowan in central defence.

Hearts are charging just £5 entry for all fans at Tynecastle tomorrow and are hopeful of attracting a crowd of around 15,000 people, if not more.

A club spokesperson said: “We’re delighted that fans have taken advantage of the reduced pricing on offer for this match. Our aim is to try and fill Tynecastle to the brim and give Gary Locke and the boys the support they need to finish the season on a high.

“We would encourage anyone who is planning to attend to snap up their tickets sooner rather than later as once the tickets are gone, they’re gone.”

The match kicks off at 3pm and tickets can be purchased online at Hearts eTickets; over the phone by calling 0871 663 1874 (option 1); or in person at the Tynecastle ticket centre.