Hearts tie up key defender Michael Smith on new deal

Hearts have been handed a boost after reliable defender Michael Smith put pen to paper on a new deal.
By Patrick McPartlin
Published 7th Jan 2021, 17:03 GMT
Northern Ireland defender Michael Smith has agreed a new contract with HeartsNorthern Ireland defender Michael Smith has agreed a new contract with Hearts
Northern Ireland defender Michael Smith has agreed a new contract with Hearts

The 32-year-old is a key player for the Tynecastle Park outfit, offering consistency and a threat from the right-back berth, and has made more than 120 appearances in maroon to date.

Smith will now be a Hearts player until the summer of 2022 after agreeing an extension to his current contract.

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Signed from Peterborough United in the summer of 2017, the Northern Ireland international full-back has contribute five goals and 13 assists for the Capital club.

Welcoming the news Hearts boss Robbie Neilson said: “Michael is a really important player for us. 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.”

Smith added: “I’m absolutely delighted to get the new contract signed. It has always been important for me and my family to be somewhere we feel at home, and that’s exactly what we feel at Hearts.

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“It’s been a really tough year for everyone off the pitch, and on it things haven’t been much better, but under the new manager we’ve made a great start to the season and we sit five points clear at the top of the league.

“I really want to be a part of getting this club back to where it belongs which is another reason why I’m happy to extend my stay.”

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Related topics:Robbie NeilsonNorthern Ireland