Hearts hang on to Elliot

Hearts striker Calum Elliot has signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

The 18-year-old scored his first goals for the club in the 5-0 Bank of Scotland Premier League win over Falkirk on St Stephen's Day.

But Tynecastle head coach Graham Rix insists the new deal, which will keep the teenager at the club until the summer of 2009, is deserved for his all-round commitment.

Rix said: “The contract is not just due to his goals this week. Calum has done very well for us since I came here in November.

“It also sends out a message to other youngsters that they will get their chance no matter how old they are.”

Elliot signed professional terms with the Jambos in June 2004 and made his debut as a second-half substitute against Inverness in September last year.