Andy Irving gives contract update - and Hearts fans will be encouraged

Andy Irving is out of contract at the end of the season. Picture: SNS

The midfield maestro was the Tynecastle side’s best player in the 3-1 win over Alloa Athletic at the Indodrill Stadium on Saturday.

Irving opened the scoring with a blockbuster strike to set the team on the way to three points, extending their lead at the top of the Championship to seven point.

The 20-year-old's Hearts deal expires at the end of the campaign which has led to nervousness amongst many supporters.

Robbie Neilson told the Evening News last month the midfielder is “definitely one we want to keep and one we are going to start speaking to.”

Irving is hopeful of an agreement but is maintaining focus on what he can control on the field.

“I just need to keep concentrating on my football and I’m sure it will get sorted out when the time comes,” he said.

“That’s all I want to concentrate on is playing football, trying to play to the best of my ability and helping the team win and hopefully we get our objective to get out of the league and promoted.”

Irving has started five of the last six leagues games, the exception being the 3-1 loss at Dundee when he was brought off the bench at half-time.

“I’m enjoying working under the gaffer, the coaching staff and the players,” he said previously. “We’ll just have to wait and see what the future holds.

“I will 100 per cent be open to talks.”