Alan Forrest hoping 'improved' Hearts form can land him new deal but winger knows what he MUST do to earn it

Alan Forrest admits he’ll have to keep producing the big moments on the park if he’s to be rewarded with a new contract at Hearts.

The winger insists he’s improved as a player since moving to Tynecastle 18 months ago and was singled out by Steven Naismith as man of the match after setting up both goals in Tuesday’s 2-1 win at his old club Livingston. Naismith revealed he was hopeful of getting the 27-year-old tied down on a new deal after the win which sent the Jambos five points clear in third spot. But while Forrest is keen on extending his stay in Gorgie he knows he has to keep performing.

The former Livi and Ayr United star has scored twice in 22 appearances this season after netting five times in 47 games in his first year at Tynecastle. His contract is up in the summer. And he said: “There has been stuff spoken about but I just want to play games just now. That side of it will take of itself. If I’m getting selected then it’s just about carrying out my job as best I can.

“It’s about how I provide for the team, with goals and assists. If there is a decision to be made then we will see. I’m enjoying my football here."

Forrest, who saw a yellow card for diving against Ross County last week rescinded on appeal on Thursday, made the short switch to Tynecastle from the Tony Macaroni Arena in the summer of 2022. And while it's only a 16-mile journey between the two venues the wide man believes his game has come on a long stretch in the 18 months since.

He said: “I think I’ve improved. This is my second year and you want to get better every year. I had that first season and played a lot of games but now you are looking at trying to improve on that and trying to be more effective so that I can try to stay here longer.

“To