Marius Zaliukas signs deal to stay at Hearts until 2013

The Lithuania international has been on loan from Kaunas for four years and his contract with his parent club had been due to expire next month.

Zaliukas was not allowed to play after refusing the club's initial offer but he returned last month after a deal was agreed in principle and he is delighted to complete the formalities.

Zaliukas told Hearts News: "I am very happy to have signed a new contract with Hearts.

"I am happy that I don't have to think about this any more. My head is clear and all I want to do is focus on my football now, keep learning and improving as a player and try to bring more success to Hearts."

Zaliukas, who turned 27 on Wednesday, was missing for two months of the season, having suffered injury and then got involved in the impasse over his contract.

But he has helped Hearts keep five clean sheets in the seven games he has played, with the team collecting 16 of their 20 Clydesdale Bank Premier League points in those matches, culminating in the team's 2-0 win over Celtic at Tynecastle on Wednesday.

He added: "We had a great result against Celtic which followed the win over Hibs on Sunday, so it has been a special week for me."