The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper’s previous deal had taken him up to the end of the 2019/20 season, but he’s now committed himself to an extra year at Tynecastle after extending his stay until 2021.

The former Bradford City keeper joined Hearts in July 2018 and made 11 appearances, keeping six clean sheets.

Speaking to heartsfc.co.uk, the four-times capped ROI shot-stopper revealed why he was keen to get his future sorted, how he’s finding life in Gorgie and what the targets are this season on a personal and club level.

“I’m pleased it’s done,” he said. “It’s a bit easier for me as well as the family have moved up now – last year they were still down south, my eldest was doing his GCSEs. I’m really looking forward to getting my head down and getting cracking.

“It’s a massive club and I’ve only had positives since I’ve been here. The fans have been lovely to me as well. It’s something I really wanted to do and as soon as I was able to do it, it was a no brainer for me.

“The family are up here now, we’re settled, the kids are starting a new school, so it’ll be a lot easier for me. It’s been great and the lads in the changing room are one of the best groups I’ve been involved in. I’m happy and hopefully I can get in the team and see what happens.

“I want to try and get in the team. Bobby is obviously in the team at the moment, so I’ll try and do my best in training and in any games that I play – reserve games or cup games, whatever it is – I’ll try and do my best and see what happens.

“I heard that keepers don’t get on but you work with each other every day – you have to get on! Me and Bobby are good friends, we get on well and room together so there’s a great atmosphere. Gal, as well as the young lads, have all got good craic. You need that. It’s different being a goalie to an outfielder, we have our own separate training for the first hour before we join the lads. You have to have a laugh or you’d be driving yourself crazy. It’s a good bit of banter and a good, healthy, competitive atmosphere.

“Our aim is to try and get in the top four. Last season was the same. It was good that we had the cup runs – we got to a semi-final and a final, but it would’ve been nice to get to two finals and maybe win one of them. It was always going to be difficult.

“This year we go at it again – try and get far as we can in the cups and break into that top four and give the fans and the club what they deserve - that’s European football. We’ll do everything we can to try and do that.

“We were unlucky at the weekend not to get a result and hopefully come Saturday against Ross County, we can start on the right foot and get the three points to get our season up and running.”